Meb is history’s oldest marathoner to qualify for the US Olympic team. What’s more, he is the running incarnate of the American Dream, a marathon champion who stormed the nation’s busiest streets to take victories where the red, white and blue is rarely seen.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"
Phil 4:13
Marathon Champion, Meb Keflezighi
Today, Meb is celebrated as a symbol of courage and integrity, known for overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Fans know him by one name - “Meb” - and he is one of the rare professional runners whose acclaim reaches beyond the sport of running into mainstream culture.
Career Highlights
Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb Keflezighi (pronounced Kef-lez-ghee) brings a higher meaning to “going the distance.” From his arrival in America as a refugee from war-torn Eritrea in East Africa to his victorious finish at the emotionally charged 2014 Boston Marathon — now as a proud and patriotic American — Meb has secured not only his place in history, but also in the hearts and minds of millions.
Meb is the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an Olympic Medal — impressive feats for someone who hadn’t even heard of the Olympics before he was a teenager. A graduate of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), his record also includes four NCAA championships, 23 National Championships and a place on four United States Olympic teams. None of these achievements came easily: only his resilience, determination and faith led Meb to prevail following some of life’s most challenging and heart-breaking circumstances.
Transcending his own athletic achievements, Meb maintains an unwavering commitment to helping others go the distance in their own lives — physically, professionally, personally and spiritually. Every day, he inspires individuals of all ages and athletic abilities to achieve their own personal best. A sought-after motivational speaker and author, he emphasizes that real victory lies in balancing a healthy, active life that emphasizes education, community and a strong moral fabric. By serving as a role model and source of inspiration, audiences worldwide are learning to Run to Overcome, no matter what the odds or challenges they face in their everyday lives.
Today, Meb resides in Tampa, Florida with his beautiful wife Yordanos and their three daughters, where they are surrounded by their large and supportive family. In between training, competing and making personal appearances, he oversees the MEB (Maintaining Excellent Balance) Foundation, which is committed to promoting youth health, education and fitness.