Olympic runner Mo Farah has a message for struggling Gen Z: ‘I was a child trafficked, but I never gave up on myself’

Fortune

by Orianna Rosa Royle

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has a powerful message for Gen Z: "Life will knock you down, but your success is your responsibility." Born into poverty in Somaliland, Farah faced unimaginable challenges as a child, including being trafficked to the U.K. at nine years old and forced into domestic servitude. Despite these odds, he refused to give up, eventually finding hope through a supportive PE teacher who helped him gain British citizenship and pursue his passion for running. Farah’s journey from a trafficked child to a four-time Olympic gold medalist highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming adversity. For Gen Z, Farah’s advice is clear: focus

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/24/2026