Mo Farah, born Hussein Abdi Kahin on March 23, 1983, in Gabiley, Somaliland (then part of the Somali Democratic Republic), endured a childhood shaped by loss and fluctuations. At the age of four, he lost his father, Abdi Kahin, to a stray mortar during the Somaliland War of Independence. The ongoing civil unrest in Somalia forces his family to make difficult decisions about his safety.
When he was eight or nine years old, Mo was sent to live with an uncle in Djibouti for protection. However, he was soon trafficked to the UK under the name Mohamed Farah, borrowed from another child by a woman he did not know. Instead of being reunited with his relatives as promised, Mo was forced into domestic slavery in London, a heartbreaking secret he kept for decades. He revealed the truth in a 2022 BBC documentary The real Farah Mo.
Of Somali descent and a Muslim, Mo’s faith has been a cornerstone of his life, with post-race prayers becoming a special moment. His mother, Aisha Kahin, remained in Somalia, separated from Mo until they were able to reconnect later in his life. His original story about his family was changed to conceal his true story, while it was also claimed for years that his father was a British IT consultant.
Mo has a twin brother, Hassan Kahin, still in Somalia, and several other siblings, including Ahmed, Wahib, Mahad and Omar. He and Hassan broke up when Mo was sent to the UK, reuniting only many years later.
When he arrived in England, Mo was initially banned from going to school. When he was about 11 or 12 years old, he enrolled in 7th grade at school Feltham Community College in London, where his physical education teacher, Alan Watkinson, discovered his sporting potential. Watkinson became an important figure in Mo’s life, helping him secure British citizenship in July 2000 under the name Mohamed Farah.
Mo then attended University College of St. Mary at Twickenham, balancing studies with his blossoming sporting career. Supported by philanthropists such as Paula Radcliffe and Sir Eddie Kulukundis, he honed his skills while pursuing sports science.
Mo Farah is married to Tania Nell, whom he met in 2007. Tania, a former British national steeplechase athlete, has been an important supporter of Mo throughout his career. They got married in 2010 and have four children together.
Sir Mo Farah, revered as one of Britain’s greatest long-distance runners, was not only an Olympic legend but also a devoted father. His children—Rhianna Farah, Hussein Mo Farah and Aisha Farah—shared in his journey, often appearing at his side during his most triumphant moments.
Rhianna Farah
Rhianna Farah
Rhianna Farah, Mo Farah’s eldest child, is not his biological daughter but has been raised by him since she was a toddler. Born from Mo’s wife Tania’s previous relationship, Mo has fully embraced Rhianna as his own. He is often seen celebrating his victories on the track with Rhianna by his side, demonstrating a relationship that transcends biological ties.
- Age: Rhianna is 16 years old in 2021, which means she is about 19 years old at this time.
- Public appearances: Rhianna has been spotted at various sporting events, including the London Olympics and the World Championships, where she celebrated Mo’s victory with him. Her presence is a symbol of solidarity and support in the family.
Hussein Mo Farah
Named after Mo’s real name, Hussein Abdi Kahin, Hussein Mo Farah was born in 2015. He is the only son of Mo and Tania Farah, and his birth was an important moment for Mo, who was pleased Humorously mentioned that he wanted to name his son “Arsenal” but was vetoed by Tania. Hussein has become a minor celebrity, with his own Instagram account run by his parents, showing off his adorable moments with his family.
- Personality: Famous for being a very active person, Hussein often makes his parents wary with his abilities.
- Public life: Hussein has appeared in many family photos, especially during Mo’s sporting events and award ceremonies, winning the hearts of fans with his charm.
Aisha Farah
Aisha was one of Mo and Tania’s twin daughters in August 2012, shortly after Mo’s spectacular double victory at the London Olympics. Aisha and her twin sister Amani have grown up in the public eye, often seen with their family at various events and during Mo’s training sessions.
- Family life: Aisha and her siblings enjoy a close-knit family life, with Mo emphasizing the importance of family time. Activities like cycling, playing at the local park, and spending quality time at home are part of their routine.
- Legacy: Born into a family that celebrated athletic achievement, Aisha and her siblings are often considered part of Mo’s legacy, sharing in his successes and learning from his dedication.
Amani Farah
Amani Farah, the youngest of Mo Farah’s children, was born to Mo and his wife, Tania. She receives less public attention than her siblings.
- Age: Amani was born in 2012, she is currently about 12 years old.
- Public appearances: Amani is occasionally seen at family events and sports competitions, although she tends to stay out of the spotlight.
