Sir Mo Farah says he is "really proud" of a documentary in which he has revealed he was brought into the UK illegally under the name of another child.
Farah stated that the film, titled 'The Real Mo Farah', enabled him to learn more about his past and journey to Britain.
Through this documentary I have been able to address and learn more about what happened in my childhood and how I came to the UK. I'm really proud of it and hope you will tune into @BBC at 9pm on Weds to watch. pic.twitter.com/rqZe41gFm8
— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) July 11, 2022
Speaking in the documentary, the four-time Olympic champion said "the truth is I’m not who you think I am," adding that he needs to tell his real story "whatever the cost".
"Most people know me as Mo Farah but it’s not my name or it’s not the reality.
"The real story is I was born in Somaliland, north of Somalia, as Hussein Abdi Kahin.
"Despite what I’ve said in the past, my parents never lived in the UK.
"When I was four my dad was killed in the civil war, you know as a family we were torn apart.
"I was separated from my mother, and I was brought into the UK illegally under the name of another child called Mohamed Farah."
Numerous high-profile figures including politicians and celebrities have moved to praise Farah’s "strength and bravery".
It shouldn't take one of the greatest athletes whose ever raced for this country for people to humanise undocumented immigrants.
But may Mo Farah's courage in speaking out allow people to see past the hate pushed by the press and politicians. We need to change the policy.
— Ash Sarkar (@AyoCaesar) July 12, 2022
Whether he’s Sir Mo Farah or Hussein Abdi Kahin he’s a hero. pic.twitter.com/dMGiZBJaQI
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) July 11, 2022
