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Gold medallist Farah detained at US customs

QUESTIONED: Farah

DOUBLE OLYMPIC gold medallist Mo Farah revealed that US customs detained him on suspicion of being a terrorist despite having his medals with him.

The 29-year-old, who captured gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the London 2012 Olympic Games, resides in Oregon which is where he trains.

The long distance runner moved to Oregon – which is the location of Nike’s headquaters - last year to work with coach Alberto Salazar.

However, the Somalia born Farah told The Sun that he continues to be questioned by border guards due to his African heritage.

“I couldn’t believe it. Because of my Somali origin I get detained every time I come through US Customs. This time I even got my medals out to show who I am, but they wouldn’t have it,” said Farah.

“When we tried to get a residency visa, Nike obviously signed it all off and we thought it was going to be straightforward.

“We were in Portland on a tourist visa so had to leave and re-enter the country as a resident.

“So we flew to Toronto to stay for a few days, then come back in.”

He continued: “But when we were there we got a letter telling us we’re under investigation as a terrorist threat and we would have to stay away for 90 days.

“We had only packed four days’ worth of clothes. We didn’t know what to do.”

Farah then got in contact with Salazar to sort out the situation.

“As luck would have it Alberto has a friend who works for the FBI. This guy happens to be a massive running fan, knew exactly who I was and got it sorted then and there.

Farah, who recently received an CBE in the New Year’s honour list, added: “God knows what would have happened if he didn’t. We’d probably still be in Toronto.”

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