MO Farah Detained By US Customs Over Terrorism Related Suspicions

MO Farah Detained By US Customs Over Terrorism Related Suspicions - MO Farah was quizzed by US customs on suspicion of being a terrorist — even though he had his two Olympic gold medals in his suitcase.

The Team GB hero, one of the world’s most famous athletes, was hauled off for questioning after border guards saw he was born in Somalia.
Mo, 29, said: “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.”
Mo, who came to Britain with his English-born dad as a child, was pulled aside as he headed to spend Christmas with his family in Portland, Oregon.

He moved there last year to work with legendary trainer Alberto Salazar at Nike’s HQ.
Mo — who won the 10,000metres and 5,000metres at London 2012 — told yesterday how he previously ran into trouble when he tried to get a residency permit to live in Portland.
He said: “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.
“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.”
In desperation Mo got in touch with coach Salazar.
He added: “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.
“God knows what would have happened if he didn’t. We’d probably still be in Toronto.”
 [UK Sun]