By Mariam Samuel
Sir Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah was born on March 23, 1983 at Mogadishu, Somalia during a period of heightened civil unrest. His father was killed by stray gunfire when he was four years old. Due to the conflict, he was sent to Djibouti to live with his uncle when he was about eight years old and thereafter sent to the UK aged nine. In a 2022 documentary, the Olympic star revealed he was given the name Mohamed Farah by those who flew him to the UK from Djibouti. His real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin.
Sir Mo faced many challenges. He did not speak English upon arrival and struggled to adapt to a new culture and environment. He attended Isleworth and Syon School, where his talent for running was first noticed by his physical education teacher.
Farah’s early running career was marked by success in school competitions, leading to him joining the local athletics club, Borough of Hounslow Athletics Club. His natural talent and determination quickly set him apart, and he won his first major title at the English Schools Cross-Country Championships in 1996.
Farah’s rise in the athletics world was steady. He made significant progress in European competitions, winning the European Junior 5000m title in 2001. His international breakthrough came in 2006 when he won the silver medal in the 5000m at the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Farah trained under the guidance of Alberto Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project from 2011 until 2017. His training was known for its intensity and meticulousness, focusing on high-altitude camps and scientific methods to enhance performance. After leaving Salazar, he continued his training under Gary Lough, the husband and former coach of British marathoner Paula Radcliffe. Farah’s association with coach Alberto Salazar drew scrutiny when Salazar was banned for doping violations. Farah has always maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in doping, and no evidence has implicated him in any wrongdoing.
Farah’s major achievements started 2012 at London Olympic, Farah captured the world's attention by winning gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m, becoming a national hero in the process.The 2016 Rio Olympics, he repeated his double gold feat in the 5000m and 10,000m, solidifying his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history.
His world championships are;
- 2011 Daegu Gold in 5000m, silver in 10,000m
- 2013 Moscow Gold in both 5000m and 10,000m
- 2015 Beijing Gold in both 5000m and 10,000m
- 2017 London Gold in 10,000m, silver in 5000m
Farah also excelled in the European Championships, winning multiple gold medals in the 5000m and 10,000m events across various years.
In 2017, Farah was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to athletics. And he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the British Athletics Writers’ Association Athlete of the Year and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Farah transitioned to marathon running later in his career. His notable achievements include winning the 2018 Chicago Marathon, where he set a new European record with a time of 2:05:11. Despite this success, Farah’s marathon career did not reach the same heights as his track career.
In 2023, Mo Farah announced his retirement from competitive athletics. He concluded his illustrious career with a final race at the London Marathon, where he received a warm send-off from fans and fellow athletes.
Farah established the Mo Farah Foundation, which focuses on providing aid and support to people in East Africa. The foundation addresses issues such as health, education, and the provision of clean water. Mo Farah’s legacy is one of extraordinary achievement, resilience, and inspiration. He is celebrated for his dominance in long-distance running, his tactical brilliance, and his charismatic personality. Farah’s “Mobot” celebration pose has become iconic, symbolizing his joyful approach to competition.
Farah’s journey from a war-torn country to becoming a British sporting legend has been documented in various media. His story is a testament to the transformative power of sport and his ability to bridge cultural divides and inspire future generations. He has been featured in numerous documentaries, books, and television appearances, sharing his remarkable life story with the world.
Mo Farah is married to Tania Nell, and the couple has four children. Farah is known to be a family man and often speaks about the importance of his family in his life and career.
