As he says in this video clip, “Thanks to welcoming people, I can chase my dreams.”
Meb arrived in San Diego as a young boy with his family from Eritrea, fleeing persecution. He’s represented the U.S. in two Olympics (bringing home the silver medal in 2004) and is about to represent the U.S. again in Rio this summer at age 41. He also won the NYC marathon in 2009, the Boston Marathon in 2014 and countless other marathons/races. He’s one of the most inspirational people you’d ever meet, comes from a family of 10 siblings, including doctors and other successful professionals. The family arrived, as many refugees do, with next to nothing, but the parents emphasized education and work ethic and they’ve contributed way more than they ever took from our country.
Good thing the U.S. was not yet afraid of refugees from African countries when the Keflezighi family appeared at our doorstep after literally years of struggles to get here. Welcoming people who are fleeing persecution for better opportunities is the core of who we are as a country.
