Sir Mo, you are a true inspiration
Sir Mo Farah, one of this country’s finest athletes, shocked us all this week by saying: “I’m not who you think I am. And now, whatever the cost, I need to tell my real story.”
The incredible truth about his background was told in a BBC1 documentary called The Real Mo Farah.
I had tears in my eyes throughout the programme as Mo talked about his traumatic childhood – his father was killed in Somalia’s civil war and his mum sent him away, aged just eight, for his own safety.
He was illegally smuggled to the UK, where he was subjected to slavery before being finally helped by his teacher.
By sharing his story, it has made me admire and love him more than ever.
I totally respect the fact that he overcame such personal trauma to go on and achieve everything that he has – not just for himself, but for his country.
He is the ultimate role model.
ADMIRABLE