Mebrahtom Keflezighi ’99

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Mebrahtom Keflezighi ’99 became the first American man in 27 years to finish first in the New York City Marathon.

Keflezighi has been a leader in the revival of a strong American presence in long-distance running. He received a silver medal in the marathon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, making him the first American man to medal in the event since 1976.

While he’s accrued impressive records on the track, his journey has not been without its hurdles. During the 2007 Olympic Trials, he suffered from dehydration and broke his hip, inevitably placing eighth – not high enough to qualify. During that same race, Keflezighi’s close friend and former training partner, Ryan Shay, collapsed and died on the course due to heart complications.

In a quote to the New York Times, the 34-year-old Keflezighi said of his win, “There were tears because you have visualized your dream and your dreams have become reality. The other part as I’m running is Ryan. I know how proud he would have been of me… When you dream, you dream. You don’t give up.”

A native of Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, Keflezighi’s family fled the war-torn country and eventually immigrated to San Diego in the late-1980s. As a Bruin, Keflezighi won a number of NCAA titles as a member of the track and cross country team. He continues to be the university record-holder for fastest times in both the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter events. He is coached by retired UCLA coach Bob Larsen, who has worked with Keflezighi since campus days.

Keflezighi graduated from UCLA with his bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a specialization in business, a year after receiving his American citizenship. He currently resides in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., with his wife, Yordanos, and their two young daughters.