Eritrean Athlete overcomes adversity to qualify for the Olympics

Weini Kelati Frezghi: A Journey of Triumph and Resilience

Weini Kelati Frezghi, an American athlete of Eritrean origin, has qualified for the Paris Olympics after winning the 10,000 meters in Eugene, the city where her life changed ten years ago. The 27-year-old distance and middle-distance runner’s remarkable journey is one of resilience, determination, and triumph.

At the age of 17, Kelati left her family in Eritrea to pursue a new life in America. Her decision was marked by a small photo she had taken of her family when she was a child – the only snapshot she had of them together. Her father, a soldier, had passed away shortly after the photo was taken, leaving her mother and two brothers behind.

Kelati’s life changed forever when she decided not to return to Eritrea after the world junior championships in Eugene, Oregon. Instead, she was taken in by a relative and attended high school in Virginia before competing at the University of New Mexico. She later sought asylum and obtained American citizenship, a move that allowed her to pursue her dreams.

In an interview, Kelati reflected on her journey, saying, "Sometimes our dreams are delayed, until they come at the right time." Her hard work and determination have paid off, earning her a spot in the Paris Olympics.

Kelati’s athletic career has been marked by numerous achievements, including winning the 10,000 meters at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and helping her country win a silver medal at the 2012 African Championships in Cape Town.

However, Kelati’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced the weight of her decision to leave Eritrea and has had to adapt to a new life in America. Despite these challenges, she has remained focused on her goals, saying, "I had to forget the past and focus on the present."

Kelati’s relationship with her family is a testament to her strength and resilience. She has been able to reconnect with her mother and has seen her for the first time in ten years, and has spoken to her brothers regularly. Despite not being able to attend the Olympics with her family, Kelati is grateful for their support and says that they will be able to keep an eye on her.

As Kelati prepares to take the track in Paris, she is filled with pride and determination. She is driven by the memory of her father and wants to make him proud. Kelati’s story is one of inspiration and hope, a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

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