When he arrived at the London Olympics to participate in the steeplechase, he brought with him immense national pride as a member of the Eritrean national squad. At just 18 years old, he was honored to carry his country’s flag during the opening ceremony. However, Ghebresilasie’s primary concern was not winning his race but ensuring his personal safety amidst the alarming situation in his homeland. Fearful of being drafted into the army for the civil war, he devised a plan. Unbeknownst to his team, he made his escape while they were watching the marathon, leaving the Olympic village in pursuit of asylum. To prevent his team’s organizers from contacting him, he discarded the sim card provided to him. As soon as he could, he approached the British authorities, an idea that had been on his mind for some time.
“Before the 2012 Olympics, my country was in a dire situation,” he explained. “I was in the army, and I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for myself. That’s why I decided to stay in Britain after the Olympics.”
Ghebresilasie was not alone in his decision. Witnessing his escape, three other members of the Eritrean squad seized the opportunity presented by the Games to flee the war-stricken misery of their homeland and apply for asylum with the Home Office. After being granted temporary residence, Ghebresilasie found sanctuary in Sunderland.
“I know Steve Cram is from Sunderland,” he mentioned, referring to the city’s renowned athlete who now serves as a commentator for the BBC during the London Marathon. “People in Sunderland always remind you of that.”
Initially, Cram’s background did not inspire Ghebresilasie to pursue running. During his early years in Britain, his main focus was securing a livelihood. After relocating from the North East to Birmingham, he found employment on the Land Rover production line and believed his days as a competitor were over.
However, as he settled into his new life, the desire to resume competing resurfaced, leading him to the marathon. He embarked on solo training, and in 2019, he participated in the London event as an ordinary runner. That year, he emerged from the crowded start to claim the title of the fastest British-based runner. His performance caught the attention of Team GB scouts, and he was invited to join the country’s elite squad for training. When he became a British citizen in 2020, he gained the opportunity to compete wearing his adopted nation’s colors. Now, filled with gratitude for the new chance he has been given, he aspires to represent Britain in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“That’s my plan: to compete in the World Championships and then the Olympics, hopefully for Great Britain,” he expressed. “I am extremely happy in Britain.”
Currently residing in Glasgow, he has been unable to return to Eritrea and has been separated from his family for three years, uncertain of their well-being. To find solace amid the turmoil in his homeland, he has focused on his running. After his performance in London, he harbors a hope that his achievement may bring him into contact with another highly successful refugee who represented Britain in the marathon.
“I have never spoken to Mo Farah, we are not friends yet,” he reflected. “Perhaps that will change? Yes, that would be wonderful.”
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