Sir Mo Farah admits sharing trafficking admission has 'grounded him'

09 June 2024 , 17:30

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Sir Mo has opened up about the response he has received since bravely revealing he was illegally trafficked into the UK (Image: PA)

Sir Mo Farah admits he's had "incredible" support since sharing he was trafficked into the UK.

The sportsman, one of Britain's greatest-ever athletes became the face of the Olympics after his roaring success at the London 2012 games. But Sir Mo, 41, bravely revealed a story about his upbringing and shared that he was illegally smuggled into the UK when he was just nine.

Mo, whose real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin was born in Somaliland and was smuggled here to work as a servant for a woman he didn't know. The woman in question told Farah he couldn't contact his birth family. But aged 12, the Olympian confided in his PE teacher who contacted social services.

His former teacher also helped him apply for British citizenship before he made contact with his birth family as an adult. In 2022, he told fans: "The truth is, I'm not who you think I am. And now, whatever the cost, I need to tell my story." Opening up during an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Mo revealed his fans have been more than supportive.

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Sir Mo Farah was just nine when he was brought to the UK under a false name (BBC/Atomized Studios/Andy Boag)

"I've had an amazing career, there was something else," he explained. Mo added: "For me, it was incredible to let that out and to have the support of the nation and so many messages coming through and saying 'Thank you for sharing that, you changed my life', that's what keeps me going.

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"It keeps me grounded and it wasn't a nice thing but how much support and how many people have been coming up and from charities and other people, it's been incredible." The Olympian continued: "I was lucky to have that support from my family and my kids but that was my story and hopefully there are people out there who will help and come forward and talk about it. It's not an easy thing but I'm glad it's been well received and I want to say thank you to everyone who's supported and been behind me."

This year, Sir Mo will be swapping the running track for the pitch Stamford Bridge for Soccer Aid in aid of UNICEF. Farah will be playing alongside the likes of Alex Brooker, Bobby Brazier, Tom Grennan and Alex Brooker on the England team. But they'll be going up against famous faces including Roman Kemp, Lee Mack and fellow Olympian, Usain Bolt.

Speaking about his return, he said: "It's very exciting to be back. I love being involved with Soccer Aid and have been involved for many years now. I'm a big kid, getting the chance to play football and growing up I saw Soccer Aid on telly and dreamed of being a part of it. Being a part of it is incredible."

"Seeing Unicef and Soccer Aid and the work that goes into it, it's amazing," he commented. But although Sir Mo is used to running around a track in front of thousands and bagging Gold medals, he admits a football stadium is "totally different" to his everyday career.

Sir Mo Farah admits sharing trafficking admission has 'grounded him'

This year, Sir Mo is returning to Soccer Aid for the England team (©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

Despite being one of the greatest athletes of all time, Sir Mo admits training for Soccer Aid is very different to the Olympics (Getty Images)

The long-distance runner who has been dubbed one of the greatest runners of all time said despite representing his country and getting medals, he's still "nervous". He said: "When you walk in that stadium and it packed, what I try and think about is it's all for charity, it's ok, let's go and play what we love and what we dream of playing." Soccer Aid has raised over an eyewatering £38 million for UNICEF UK since it kicked off in 2006.

This year, Soccer Aid's ticket prices are affordable to all with the cost of living with families able to purchase group tickets from £60. "It's really important for me," said Mo, adding: "For all of us, it's a lot cheaper than normal tickets. That's why it's always very well thought out. It's affordable if you can afford it, you are making a difference to others."

Sir Mo laughed when talking about the differences between his running training and training for Soccer Aid, admitting the team do around three days of training prior to the match. "Those three days, you are tired," he laughed, before adding: "You wouldn't think that someone who runs 120 week in week out, who's in the gym two times a week can get tired. I am sore afterwards, football and running are totally different things."

He went on to add: "When I'm there, I'm like a big kid, I'm always smiling, I'm always enjoying myself. As a kid growing up, all I wanted to do was be a football player but in reality, I didn't have the skills, I wasn't good enough." But Sir Mo admits that while his team will always be great, he "admires football legends," and shared his excitement over meeting people he never dreamed of meeting as a child.

"It's unreal, it's wonderful to see the work that goes into Soccer Aid and UNICEF," he exclaimed. "It amazes me every time I look across or see someone," he said of the huge football names involved. This year, Mauricio Pochettino will be the World XI manager, alongside Jesus Perez. Meanwhile, Roberto Carlos, Eden Hazard and the likes of David Seaman, David James, Gary Cahill and Jack Wilshere are joining the line-up.

But how does Sir Mo, an Olympic legend plan on celebrating should England win for the first time in six years? "I'm now retired, I've got a lot more time on my hands," he said. He went on to add: "Hopefully put away a few goals and you might even see the Mo-bot if England wins!"