Sir Mohamed Muktar Jama “Mo” Farah is a British distance runner, originally from Somalia.
Born in 1983 Farah moved to the UK as a child. He was originally based in London and ran for Newham and Essex Beagles athletics club. He is the European record holder for the 1,500 meters, 10,000 meters and half marathon. He also holds the British title for the 5,000 meters, the European indoor 5,000 meters and the current indoor world record holder for the two mile race.
He is the most decorated athlete in British athletics history, with nine global titles, and was the first British athlete to win two gold medals at the same world championships. His five gold medals at the European Athletics Championships make him the most successful individual athlete in championships history.
Farah is noted for his unique victory celebration dance known as the “Mobot”.
Farah is involved in various philanthropic initiatives, launching the Mo Farah Foundation after a trip home to Somalia in 2011. The following year, he participated in ITV’s The Cube and won £250,000 for his foundation, becoming the first person ever to win the top prize on the show. Along with other high-profile athletes, Farah later took part in the 2012 Olympic hunger summit at 10 Downing Street hosted by then prime minister David Cameron, part of a series of international efforts which have sought to create awareness of hunger as a high-priority global issue.
Farah has endorsement deals with a number of companies, including Pace Sports Management, Nike, Lucozade, Quorn, Bupa and Virgin Media. He is expected to earn roughly £10 million in advertising and sponsorships in addition to making roughly £250,000 – £450,000 during exhibitions, and promoting “Brand Mo” with management firm Octagen.
