Talk:Mo Farah/Archive 1

Class
I have done some work on this page, and although I am no expert on editing Biography pages, it seems to have enough information not to be classified as a stub. I have therefore removed this status and marked it a "Start".  Pixie2000  (talk) 09:28, 29 June 2008 (UTC)

Place of Birth
I have seen a lot of people putting in a lot of different places Mo Farah was born in, and I went to his website and discovered that he was indeed born in Mogadishu Somalia. Mods, please look out for the vandalism on this page. Thanks.--Society12 (talk) 04:25, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

very true indeed but his clan is from north somalia a city called hargeysa he is realy born in hargeysa but used mogadishu as an excuse to live in england so his real place of birth is hargeysa ... p.s thank you for your time reading this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.111.56.252 (talk) 21:46, 17 August 2010 (UTC)


 * I reverted another of these. I'm not sure if it's just vandalism or if there is a genuine belief that he was born in Hargeisa. At the moment, the source that the article uses, a Guardian piece which appears to be reliable, quotes him as saying "I was born in Mogadishu". We would need some fairly incontrovertible evidence to overturn this and imply in the article that he is mistaken about his birthplace, even more so deliberately falsifying it. 86.176.211.86 (talk) 01:07, 6 September 2011 (UTC)

Inconsistent spelling of his name
In the intro his name his spelled "Mohammed", and in the infobox caption it's "Mohamed". Does anyone know which is correct?

Category of "british muslims" and "somalian muslims"
He should be removed from these categories unless someone can produce a reference to show that he indeed considers himself a muslim. I'm suspicious that those who have categorized him as such have just made an assumption based on his name. Having seen a fair bit of footage of him I've never heard him thank god or anything like that to suggest he's particularly religious. Harmony krieg (talk) 16:17, 7 August 2011 (UTC)


 * He is quoted here as saying "I'm a Muslim, so I observe the five pillars of Islam". 86.186.9.162 (talk) 13:49, 5 September 2011 (UTC)

He prayed a rakat on the finish line immediately after winning his gold medal in London tonight. Millions of people would have seen that footage. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Eightalbumdeal (talk • contribs) 23:35, 4 August 2012 (UTC)

Weight
Regardless of the reference, I find it very hard to believe that he is 65kg. 56 is more like it. Maybe someone has made a typo some way down the line. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.133.31.215 (talk) 12:59, 18 June 2012 (UTC)

Medal Template
Is this the right place to request a template for Mo Farah much like most other top athletes have in the column with their details on? He is now an Olympic and World gold medal winner, so it's justified surely? If I had the know how I would do it myself but I can only see myself unwittingly wrecking the page if I attempt it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Eightalbumdeal (talk • contribs) 23:33, 4 August 2012 (UTC)

Edit request on 5 August 2012
'packet of crisps'

81.141.127.184 (talk) 19:19, 5 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I think all the vandalism edits have been undone, but if you read through and find any more, please make a note here.  SilkTork   ✔Tea time  19:27, 5 August 2012 (UTC)

 SilkTork   ✔Tea time  19:25, 5 August 2012 (UTC)

Mobot
In the Personal Life section, a little mention of his 'Mobot' celebration could be included, if only because the creation is interesting (Claire Balding came up with it and James Cordon gave it the name), and because of Usain Bolt doing it as a mark of respect to Mo after winning the relay. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2.28.162.211 (talk) 10:27, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

Hounslow Athletic Club
Mo Farah's first athletic club was Hounslow Athletic Club which he was introduced to by Alan Watkinson, he was coached there by Alex McGee and later by Conrad Milton. He moved to Newham & Essex Beagles, when Hounslow were forced to leave their track at Feltham and amalgamate with Windsor,Slough & Eton AC.86.129.89.62 (talk) 20:18, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

10,000 / 5000
Why does 10,000 metres have a comma in it, but not 5000 / 3000 / 1500 metres? 194.176.105.132 (talk) 11:39, 13 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I raised this once at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Manual_of_Style/Archive_117#Athletics_race_distances 86.177.105.213 (talk) 12:01, 13 August 2012 (UTC)

Weight
The article currently says 65 kg (143 lb), which is sourced to iaaf.org, but seems too high to me, based on his height and build. That's almost exactly what I weigh, and I'm pretty darned sure that Farah is not as heavy as me. says 58 kg, and says 56 kg. Should we change it to one of these lower values? 86.177.105.213 (talk) 03:45, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Mo Farah's Family in Somaliland
I would like to focus your attention to Mo Farah's family and the celebration in Somaliland of his olympic gold medals for Team GB; in particular his brother who walked four miles to Wajaale to watch Mo Farah run for Team GB, reported by David Smith in Gabiley Somaliland.

Mo Farah, and Like many Somalians who were born before 1991 in what was then Somalia are proud British Somalilanders where Mo Farah has posed in numerous images bearing the multi-coloured flag of Somaliland. Please have a look at these Links:

Mo Farah's "Motherland" Somaliland Somaliland Flag of Somaliland

To understand the reasons for the creation of an autonomous State, and how many Somalilanders at the time fled persecution to unite in Somaliland. I am a proud British Somalilander and also a distant relative of Mo Farah through family clan system, which is a factor in the Somali-Somaliland Civil War. I am British first, Somaliland second since Great Britain is where I grew up and is my home, and I say it proudly.

This is my first post, and I am using the talk page to gain information from experienced editors of Wikipedia to contact me in regards to structuring or even helping in editing Mo Farah's Wiki page.

--SJMadar (talk) 19:10, 16 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Somaliland is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of constitutionally federal Somalia. So is Puntland, Galmudug, etc. For the rest, see WP:NOTADVOCATE. Middayexpress (talk) 19:15, 16 August 2012 (UTC)

British Somali?
Would it not be better to introduce him as British but mention in brackets that he was born in Mogadishu, similar to the Linford Christie page? I think he has made it clear that he considers himself as 100% British. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.109.72.78 (talk) 13:31, 16 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Agree. In a mixed prhase like this the first is usually the ethnic background, and the second the actualy current nationality - like Irish American, - this makes him sound like he runs for Somalia and has English ancestry - 'Somali Briton', or 'British athlete of Somali birth' would seem more accurate. Mpjmcevoy (talk) 22:59, 19 August 2012 (UTC)

Mo Farah was born between Arabsiyo & Gabiley in Somaliland
It's crazy to suggest that Mo Farah (Mohamed Farah) was born in Mogadishu when his mum never seen Mogadishu in her entire life. Can you give birth to someone in a place you have never been? I guess not! Please do correct his place of birth to: Arabsiyo-Gabiley 1983 because that's where he was born and later moved to Djiboute before heading to England. - Thanks.

http://www.somaliland.org/2012/08/08/mo-faarax-halyay-u-babac-dhigay-carqalad-kasta-oo-yoolkiisa-iska-hortaagi-karta/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Aliburco (talk • contribs) 11:15, 9 August 2012 (UTC)
 * He stated in an interview that he was born in Mogadishu : "I was born in Mogadishu, but I grew up in Djibouti". Middayexpress (talk) 14:58, 9 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Is somaliland.org reliable? There do seem to be persistent assertions that he was not born in Mogadishu. Previous claims (see archives) have him born in Hargeisa, which seems to be relatively close to Arabsiyo. 86.160.215.15 (talk) 03:23, 12 August 2012 (UTC)
 * Here are two more articles that say he was born in Mogadishu, and give other details of his early life:
 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2190417/Revealed-We-twin-brother-Mo-Farah-forced-abandon-child-war-torn-Somalia-tells-harrowing-story-separated-aged-parents-agonising-decision.html
 * http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/aug/10/mo-farah-mother-somaliland
 * 86.160.85.167 (talk) 20:16, 28 August 2012 (UTC)

"world's fastest long-distance runner"
IMO the text "... making him the world's fastest long-distance runner" in the lead section is vague and/or misleading, and I propose that it is either clarified or removed. 86.179.6.55 (talk) 02:25, 23 August 2012 (UTC)


 * I've been around track circles for a while, and I haven't heard the term. We have had "worlds fastest man" for a long time, but not this one.  Accomplishing the Woolworth double (5 and 10) is a remarkable accomplishment, but its not unique.  Lets look back at Hannes Kolehmainen, Emil Zátopek, Vladimir Kuts, Lasse Virén (twice), Miruts Yifter and Kenenisa Bekele all accomplished the same thing.  Were they called the same thing?  I suggest we find sources that show there is such a title and that this is the definition. Trackinfo (talk) 05:58, 23 August 2012 (UTC)


 * Since no clarification has emerged about how "world's fastest long-distance runner" is defined, nor any evidence that it is a recognised title, I have removed it. 86.179.6.23 (talk) 02:25, 11 September 2012 (UTC)

Lead image
Though the new Mo-in-a-suit image is good, it makes him look a bit like a singer or actor or something, and I think I prefer the previous one of him running as the lead image. What do others think? 86.151.119.57 (talk) 00:54, 14 September 2012 (UTC)


 * Since no one has commented I have swapped it back. 86.129.16.11 (talk) 19:53, 26 September 2012 (UTC)
 * If every person in a suit were a singer or actor (which in itself is not an issue), then much of the working world would be Hollywood. Farah, incidentally, recently signed on as a mentor on Simon Cowell's X Factor talent show . Middayexpress (talk) 20:07, 27 September 2012 (UTC)
 * I disagree with having this image in the lead. It is much better to have one showing him running, since that is the reason he is notable. This is true of all sportspeople. It is always better to have a lead picture showing them doing their sport. Other people please comment on this. 81.159.111.6 (talk) 17:41, 30 September 2012 (UTC)
 * For now I have put it back to the old image, which was stable for a long time. Please do not change it back again without some demonstrable consensus that this change is generally desired. Thanks. 81.159.111.6 (talk) 17:50, 30 September 2012 (UTC)
 * There's actually no Wikipedia policy indicating that infobox images of athletes must show them performing athletic activities. There likewise was no demonstrable consensus around the other image. As shown, Mo Farah is also not strictly an athlete. He has branched out into television work and is additionally involved in various philanthropic activities. In a few years time, he will retire altogether from competitive athletics as well. So a decent headshot of him in neutral wear (which, in any case, the running body-shot isn't), as on the Michael Phelps GA page, seems best. Middayexpress (talk) 20:59, 30 September 2012 (UTC)
 * (formerly IP 81.) I have restored the old picture. More people need to comment on this. Right now it is just one person's opinion against another with no clear means of resolution. 86.128.1.121 (talk) 23:18, 19 July 2013 (UTC)
 * I have placed a note on the athletics project page inviting further comments (at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Athletics#Comments_sought). 86.128.1.121 (talk) 01:37, 20 July 2013 (UTC)
 * Actually, it's two established users vs. one anonymous IP. That's why you were reverted here by another editor . Middayexpress (talk) 14:13, 20 July 2013 (UTC)
 * I think File:Mo Farah Helsinki 2012.jpg would be a good choice for the lead image. The suited picture is probably more appropriate for the personal life or awards section. I agree that the lead image should best reflect the subject's reason for notability (e.g. if a musician, get an image of the subject in concert). SFB 09:11, 21 July 2013 (UTC)
 * Decisions should be based on website policy. I don't believe there's any policy which stipulates that a lead must show the subject enacting his/her profession. This is why few lead images in actor BLPs show the featured actor/actress acting in a film or peforming theater, even if the thespian is a character actor. They are instead typically frontal shots, where the subject's likeness is best captured; as on Anthony Perkins or Johan Cruyff. The performance pics are usually further down, in the section where the person's career is discussed. At any rate, the lede here is from the 2010 London Youth Games Hall of Fame and Awards Evening, where Farah was being honored for his athletic achievements; so it too is ultimately career-related. Middayexpress (talk) 13:32, 21 July 2013 (UTC)
 * No consensus to change the lead picture from the action shot to the "suit" shot has been demonstrated. I have therefore restored the original. Please do not change it again without demonstrating consensus. 86.160.217.199 (talk) 02:40, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Sorry, but that's not the way the WP:BRD process works. There was a consensus established that the suit image was the one to go with (linked to above). You objected to it and tried to establish a new consensus, but only managed one non-anonymous IP supporter. That a new consensus does not make. Middayexpress (talk) 02:56, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Sorry, but please stop changing this now. You have not demonstrated consensus for your change. 86.160.217.199 (talk) 03:05, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I have asked again at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Athletics#Comments_sought_.28again.29 86.160.217.199 (talk) 03:14, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Actually, consensus for the suit image was already established months ago, when another editor reverted the same change you've attempted today with the explanation that there was "no consensus" for your change . Middayexpress (talk) 03:16, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I did not "change" anything. I put it back to how it was. One other person making one revert does not establish any preference for your version over my opinion + one other person above. 86.160.217.199 (talk) 03:35, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I'm afraid you are mistaken. A new silent consensus was established, as your change was reverted by another editor with the explanation that it had no consensus ("Consensus can be presumed to exist until voiced disagreement becomes evident (typically through reverting or editing))." Middayexpress (talk) 03:51, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Also, I should point out that the relevant Template:Infobox documentation only stipulates that the image parameter should show "an image of the subject." In other words, the priority is to show the subject himself/herself (i.e. their likeness), not what he/she is famous for. The parameter does not have to show the athlete performing his/her sport, as you have argued. And indeed, the very image used as an example in the template is a frontal shot of athlete Laurentia Tan at a Paralympics celebration, much like the frontal shot of Mo Farah at the London Youth Games celebration. Middayexpress (talk) 03:51, 17 August 2013 (UTC)

Here's my 2 cents, as a member of WP Athletics: I prefer the "action" photo slightly. While the "suit" photo is quite good, the "action" photo is also quite good in that it clearly shows the subject's face. (Many "action" photos are sub-par in this respect, and are therefore not ideal for the infobox.) It is quite appropriate to give preference to "action" photos, as their purpose is also illustration, not just identification: the "action" photo does both, while the "suit" photo does only the latter. Still, both photos are of sufficiently high quality that putting either of them in the infobox is certainly not wrong. GregorB (talk) 12:23, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * The action shot does show Farah running, but the pic of him at the London Youth Games celebration is likewise career-related. His likeness is also better captured in the latter, more polished shot. It's similar to the lede image in the Michael Phelps GA page. Middayexpress (talk) 13:18, 17 August 2013 (UTC)

Age
The header says he was born in 1983 and is 32 years old. Would the author please correct this? I don't have any expertise, or I would. Given the controversy evident in this Talk page about basic facts (e.g., where he was born), it doesn't seem wise for me to step into the breach.

Thanks. KC 04:09, 2 November 2015 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Boydstra (talk • contribs)

Semi-protected edit request on 28 August 2016
2001:628:2120:604:4087:AC89:BDFE:94B1 (talk) 01:09, 28 August 2016 (UTC)

Farrah dopes without request
 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format. KGirlTrucker81talk what I'm been doing 01:49, 28 August 2016 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 28 August 2016
I was not being rude or abusive. I was just being cirtical. It is not very nice being blocked, and I ask, how do you justify a block, when I wasn't being rude or abusive or swearing. Perahps Mr Farah can't take critisms. I am sorry if I caused offense.

78.150.20.169 (talk) 20:25, 28 August 2016 (UTC)
 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format. Linguist 111  Moi?  Moi.  20:28, 28 August 2016 (UTC)
 * This is not an edit request. Topher385 (talk) 20:54, 28 August 2016 (UTC)

Doping
Why so coy about Farah and doping? --BowlAndSpoon (talk) 19:07, 7 August 2017 (UTC)

Requested move 14 August 2017

 * The following is a closed discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review. No further edits should be made to this section. 

The result of the move request was: not moved. (non-admin closure) Steel1943  (talk) 03:34, 23 August 2017 (UTC)

Mo Farah → Mohamed Farah – He has announced that he would like to be known as Mohamed Farah when he switches to road racing.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/aug/14/mo-farah-rebrand-mohamed-road-career http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40924069 WyrmVane (talk) 20:17, 14 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Oppose WP:TOOSOON In ictu oculi (talk) 08:01, 15 August 2017 (UTC)
 * "He has announced that he would like to be known as" is irrelevant at Wikipedia. 216.8.164.193 (talk) 18:09, 16 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Oppose WP:TOOSOON Further, that new name already forwards to the name he has been known by on the world stage for at least 10 years. Trackinfo (talk) 18:41, 16 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Oppose. We only change when overwhelming usage changes. As of now, he's still universally known as Mo. -- Necrothesp (talk) 12:39, 17 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Oppose good intentions perhaps, but unless public perception changes, Mo is the name he is known by. A Guy into Books (talk) 08:20, 21 August 2017 (UTC)


 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page or in a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

External links modified (February 2018)
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 11 external links on Mo Farah. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20151208101153/http://www.gordonpoole.com/talent/charles-van-commenee/ to http://www.gordonpoole.com/talent/charles-van-commenee/
 * Added tag to http://www.education-show.com/Content/Alan-Watkinson-at-The-Education-Show-2015
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110723104705/http://www.pacesportsmanagement.com/athlete_profile.asp?id=42 to http://www.pacesportsmanagement.com/athlete_profile.asp?id=42
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110828065815/http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/farah-smashes-uk-record-to-win-new-york-half/ to http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/farah-smashes-uk-record-to-win-new-york-half/
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110607035725/http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/farah-smashes-european-10000m-record-mosop-breaks-distance-world-records to http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/farah-smashes-european-10000m-record-mosop-breaks-distance-world-records/
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20120608055608/http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/0415407-daegu-2011-farah-storms-famous-5000m-gold-world-championships to http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/0415407-daegu-2011-farah-storms-famous-5000m-gold-world-championships
 * Added tag to http://www.nickclegg.com/nccom_news_details.aspx?title=Nick_Clegg%E2%80%99s_rally_speech_at_Liberal_Democrat_Autumn_Conference&pPK=ccad70de-e202-43a8-8778-27555c5e6503
 * Added tag to http://www.libdems.org.uk/latest_news_detail.aspx?title=Nick_Clegg%27s_New_Year_Message_2013&pPK=ca90b839-93d0-4468-a0e9-b0024b784efd
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20121205010546/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Meet-real-Mobot-ndash-track-champ-s-simply/story-16909443-detail/story.html to http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Meet-real-Mobot-ndash-track-champ-s-simply/story-16909443-detail/story.html
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20100904175628/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/tv-online-mo-farah-at-emirates-stadium to http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/tv-online-mo-farah-at-emirates-stadium
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20170904012631/https://www.itv.com/hub/the-jonathan-ross-show/2a1166a0133 to https://www.itv.com/hub/the-jonathan-ross-show/2a1166a0133
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20140424051033/http://mofarahstore.bigcartel.com/product/run-mobot-tee to http://mofarahstore.bigcartel.com/product/run-mobot-tee
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20150402171834/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/athletics-mo-farah-pictured-training-alongside-banned-drug-122658315--spt.html to https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/athletics-mo-farah-pictured-training-alongside-banned-drug-122658315--spt.html
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20140216110604/http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/aw-readers-choice-award-winners/ to http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/aw-readers-choice-award-winners/

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 02:54, 3 February 2018 (UTC)

5000 world championships
In this page, Muktar Edris is said to be the champion. But in Mo Farah's page, it says Mo is. I think Muktar really was the champion. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Unnyn (talk • contribs) 14:42, 22 February 2019 (UTC)

Nationality
It's a bit misleading to say he is British when he wasn't born in Britain or to at least one British parent. He's Somalian with most likely British Citizenship. So, his lead should be updated to say Somalian-born British. — Calvin999 23:23, 6 November 2015 (UTC)

Actually, it would be completely accurate to describe him as British, considering he has British citizenship. Citizenship is the requirement, not birthplace or birth citizenship. In fact, it would be inaccurate to describe him as Somali although he was born Somali, unless we have evidence that he continues to retain Somali citizenship. Furthermore, see WP:Ethnicity which makes this all clear for the lead of biographies. Previous nationalities, ethnicity, and/or place of birth are not included in the lead. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Apoorva Iyer (talk • contribs) 17:04, 1 May 2019 (UTC)

Nationality
We've had such discussions in the past about Somaliland and Somalia so i think we need third party comments. Pass a Method  talk  08:42, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * He was apparently born in Mogadishu, in Somalia. His family lives in Somaliland, but most international bodies regard Somaliland as part of Somalia, whatever the de facto position may be.  Ghmyrtle (talk) 09:46, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * He wears a Somaliland armband during races and The Times also conifirm it. If you change the self-described affiliation of a person it becomes a BLP issue. Pass a Method   talk  11:07, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * You wouldn't describe a Palestinian born inside the border of Israel as Israeli would you? Nor would you describe a Kosovan as a Serb. Pass a Method  talk  11:10, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Here's Mo Farah's actual country of birth/Somalia, and why he sometimes waves the Somaliland region's flag :


 * "A grounded man, he has retained a strong friendship with the PE teacher who encouraged him to swap football for athletics and helped with visas when Farah arrived as a refugee from Somalia in 1993, and the 27-year-old is not one to forget his roots. On Tuesday night, as he jumped around on the Barcelona track, delirious in celebration, someone in the crowd threw him a Somaliland flag. 'It's a part of Somalia now trying to be recognised as a republic,' said Farah, who left the country behind as he tried to build a new life in the UK. 'They've just got a new government. I was chucked the flag and I thought: 'Yeah, OK.' There's a lot of people in the UK from Somalia who've followed me.'"


 * That said, the analogy above is completely inapt. Palestinians are a separate ethnic group from Mizrahi, Sephardic, Ashkenazi Jews, etc.. On the other hand, people residing in the Somaliland region -- which is internationally recognized as a Federal Member State of Somalia (a federation), like the autonomous Puntland region -- are predominantly ethnic Somalis, as in most other parts of Somalia. Ethnic Somalis also don't just traditionally inhabit Somalia proper, but rather Greater Somalia. In any event, Farah was born in Mogadishu in southern Somalia, not in Hargeisa or other parts of the Somaliland region in northwestern Somalia. Part of his family just hails from the latter region. He also spent his early childhood years in Djibouti. Middayexpress (talk) 12:56, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I removed the Somalilander categories which as I mentioned in my edit summary (okay a minor grammar typo) appeared to be completely unsupported by anything in the article. Per WP:BLP please do not add it back without resolving the problem. I did not add back the Somalian categories [//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mo_Farah&diff=568907153&oldid=568881709] since I don't really care that much so can't be bothered checking out the sources used in the article that relate to his Somalian heritage to confirm they are suitable. As I'm sure I remarked before in a discussion on JW's talk page, what armband's he may or may not wear is insufficient to establish selfidentification since there are many possible intentions with such armbands. Since you mentioned Palestinians, I would hope you know there are a number of people who have worn or displayed Palestinian flags as a sign of solidarity who definitely do not self identify as Palestinians. A third party oped is also way to insufficient for a BLP unless it's quoting him directly. If there is clearcut self-identification even from a primary source like Twitter or whatever I would have no problems with this being added to the article and appropriate categories added but until then the Somaliland caterogies should definitely stay out Nil Einne (talk) 23:09, 6 September 2013 (UTC)


 * I found a source listed here: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/somalia-born-olympic-champion-mo-farah-troubled-trump-s-travel-n713786 from NBC news which specifically states that the subject at hand does not have dual citizenship and is in fact only a UK citizen. Another source also states the same, from CBC news: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/mo-farah-trump-ban-1.3957283. I am unsure why certain users continue to post Somali citizenship in the infobox. Apoorva Iyer (talk) 18:54, 3 December 2019 (UTC)


 * Here is another news source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2017/01/29/somalia-born-runner-mo-farah-trump-policy/97215604/. Another one is here as well: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/29/sir-mo-farah-donald-trump-made-me-an-alien. Apoorva Iyer (talk) 19:00, 3 December 2019 (UTC)

Mo Farrah's birth name is incorrect.
Mo Farrah's wiki page says his birth name is "Louis Peterson". Is that true? 109.249.187.43 (talk) 11:58, 9 November 2020 (UTC) Sleiman
 * No, it's just routine vandalism, now reverted. Ghmyrtle (talk) 12:09, 9 November 2020 (UTC)

FORMER coach, any relevance?
So one of his former coaches AFTER he stopped coaching Mo was convicted for doping? Can anyone tell me why this is relevant to this article at all? We already have the section where one test by Russia (who have a great image when it comes to doping) was elevated, but then was cleared. That shouldn't really be in the article, but fair enough. Then we have people trying to put tht Mo was ACCUSED, not ever convicted, of doping as the 2nd paragraph in the lead! Literally every top level athlete has been accused at some time, but I cant find one other on wiki where it is in the lead? If they are every found guilty, then sure, but not an unproven accusation. So unless someone can explain why one of his past coaches should be in this article, I will remove the claim — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2a00:23c4:215:c500:25d5:5f7c:3378:b82d (talk) 20:29, 15 November 2020 (UTC)

Category: Black English Sportspeople
Why is this page not also categorised under "Black English Sports People" Black English sportspeople? 114.134.3.171 (talk) 23:46, 8 March 2017 (UTC)
 * {See thread "Black", below). Martinevans123 (talk) 12:06, 10 February 2021 (UTC)

Black?
Should Farah be described (or categorised) as "Black"? Is this site relevant? Thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:05, 10 February 2021 (UTC)
 * The editor who made the change - - has edited a number of other articles, with the edit summary "According to census Somalis aren’t actually considered Black British they are actually considered British Arab believe it or not."   That raises a number of points: 1 - is it true?   2 - is it relevant?    3 - is it uncontentious? - probably not, given that the editor themselves say "believe it or not".   My view is that the main discussion should take place at Talk:Black British, following the edits made at that article here, again with the effect of removing Somali-heritage British people from the "Black British" group.  Once there is a consensus, or decision, there, the edits on the other articles, including this one, can be reconsidered.  Ghmyrtle (talk) 12:41, 10 February 2021 (UTC)

British-Somali Warrants inclusion
As per MoS guidelines, there is an exception to which you can place ethnicity in the lead if it is relevant to the subjects notability. This subject is notable and adored by the Somali for being a Somali Olympic runner. This permits inclusion in the lead as per MoS. It is safe to assume Wikipedia has this rule in place in place in the first place because certain people's ancestry are really irrelevant and not a prominent aspect in their life. For instance John F Kennedy's Irish ancestry. No Irishman probably even knows he is Irish and none know him because of that. This is completely different from when you are deleting it from characters like Mo Farah's where his Somali ethnicity is a prominent aspect of him where he is doing interviews with Somalis in his Somali language and speaking about being Somali etc. And if you go to Somalia, he is *notable* for being a Somali runner and adored by the Somali people. It doesn't warrant exclusion either to just say "British-Somali". Leyncho (talk) 06:54, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * That is not an "exception", and your interpretation of the wording is incorrect. MOS:ETHNICITY states: "Ethnicity, religion, or sexuality should generally not be in the lead unless it is relevant to the subject's notability. Similarly, previous nationalities or the place of birth should not be mentioned in the lead unless relevant to the subject's notability."    We know that Farah is of Somali origin - that is explained in the third paragraph.  But his nationality is British, and that should be included, unadorned, in the opening sentence.  His Somali origin is not "relevant to the subject's notability" - his notability is due to his accomplishments alone.  Ghmyrtle (talk) 07:00, 6 August 2021 (UTC)

"his notability is due to his accomplishments alone" as I mentioned on our discussion on my talk page, then in what event is ethnicity ever "notable" by that interpretation Ghmyrtle. What is Wiki referring to a day justifiable excuse for including ethnicity if my interpretation is incorrect. Leyncho (talk) 07:21, 6 August 2021 (UTC)

"his notability is due to his accomplishments alone" in that case we should delete the "British" as well then no. To take it further, what warrants someone as prominent as Nikola Tesla to have his ethnic Serbian background placed in the lead now then. User:Ghmyrtle Leyncho (talk) 07:35, 6 August 2021 (UTC)
 * No, because we state nationality in the opening line, but (generally) not ethnicity or birthplace. Incidentally, Farah could be described elsewhere - not here - as "Somali-British" - not "British-Somali" (which would imply he was a British emigrant to Somalia, not vice versa).   Anyway, I'm going to be away for a few days, so when I get back I'll see if anyone agrees with you.  Ghmyrtle (talk) 07:49, 6 August 2021 (UTC)

Ok I've come up with the answer but let me address your points first. I'll tag you so you get notification for when you come back in case you're still interested User:Ghmyrtle

The MoS guidelines is the same for nationality as it is ethnicity. What is notable. MoS just states usually nationality is always notable. I'm just critiquing your "his notability is accomplishments alone" justification there.

On the Nikola Tesla page, this same exact topic was discussed intensely to the point some administrators I'm guessing took action and locked it where his ethnicity is placed in the lead. "Serbian-American". There is nothing different about Nikola Tesla that would warrant his ethnicity from inclusion and not Mo Farah as well as these other athletes ethnicities that I include. Therefore it is safe to assume my conclusions are correct and will be upheld by administrators in any event where it leads to that point as well. I will therefore revert the edits and place "Somali-British" for Mo Farah and others where it is notable based on my interpretation of notability. Here is direct link to that talk I'd you wish

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Nikola_Tesla Leyncho (talk) 08:01, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * Leyncho, I'm not sure that Tesla and Farah are directly comparable. Farah came to the UK aged 8 while Tesla emigrated to the US only at the age of 28, after moving across Europe, including Budapest and Paris, and  working electric power industry. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:06, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * I agree with User Martinevans, the individual/subject in question achieved his notability completely within the U.K. He maybe notable in Somalia, as he is notable around the world, but his training, his accomplishments, country of representation, and more importantly, nationality/citizenship are all that of the U.K. Apoorva Iyer (talk) 10:23, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * Did you just not read my previous replies Apoopva.. Administrators locked Nikola Tesla's page as including his ethnicity. "Serbian-American". And I wasn't saying just notable in Somalia. I was saying he's notable in Somalia for being a SOMALI Olympian. Hence his ethnicity being notable in that aspect. But again doesn't matter because administrators already agreed in regards to Nikola Tesla. Edit: Sorry I meant "Apoovya" not "poop". Leyncho (talk) 11:38, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * Leyncho, as per MOS:LEADNOTUNIQUE, are you prepared to add a sentence to the article main body stating "Farah is notable in Somalia for being a Somali Olympian" supported by WP:RS sources? Even though has never competed as "a Somali athlete" anywhere in his entire career? He's a British Olympian. Thanks. Martinevans123 (talk) 11:51, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * User:Martinevans123 I could so easily find such a source if I wanted. Nevertheless, even if I couldn't, it's irrelevant and I don't need to in order to place his ethnicity in the lead.Nikola Tesla didn't require such in order to have administers lock his Serbian ethnicity being placed in the lead. Case closed. He's competing as a Somali athlete everytime he's competing. His ethnicity didn't just magically disappear. Yes he's British. Which is why I'm not trying to delete the "British" from his lead. You're welcome. Leyncho (talk) 12:17, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * Well, we're discussing Mo Farah here, not Nikola Tesla. Perhaps you have a good source where Farah describes himself as Somali? Case far from closed I'd say, as no consensus has been established. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:23, 6 August 2021 (UTC)


 * Are you suggesting you are incapable of seeing a direct parallel regarding something that... literally is a direct parallel?  Like I just mentioned, there is nothing different that warrants inclusion for Tesla and not Mo Farah. You are arguing in circles now.


 * "perhaps you have a good source where Farah describes himself as Somali" so you are this ignorant about the man yet trying to have an extended debate regarding him. Throwing that to the side, just using common sense again, do you seriously think based on all I mentioned and the fact that the man is literally an ethnic Somali, that I would be unable to find a source?? Just use common sense please.


 * No, the case is and has been certainly closed long ago but you are literally trying to be belligerent.


 * First 1). You tried to argue Tesla warrants inclusion of his ethnicity but Mo Farah does not because he left his ethnic Somalia at the age of 8. But Tesla left his ethnic Serbia even younger at 6. Eliminating that line of argumentation. But you are adamant on being belligerent so you now shifted course and argued


 * 2). If I could bring a source that states he is notable in Somalia for being a Somali Olympian. To which I answered "yes" but again you are adamant on being belligerent so you shifted course yet again to your new question which again I am saying the answer is "yes". Despite the fact that it's not even relevant because there is a direct parallel between Mo Farah and Tesla. Even to the extent where the argument you presented on why it's not (Mo Farah left at a young age), was proven wrong.


 * You are actively trying to be belligerent. It's literally impossible for me to even presume good faith on your part because you literally are not in good faith.

User:Martinevans123 Ok, before I even dissect your points, just using basic common sense, what makes 8 or 28 any more or less *notable* for ones *ethnicity*. Since notability is the necessary factor according to MoS. At 8 years old Mo Farah did not stop being an ethnic Somali just like Tesla didn't stop being an *ethnic* Serb at whatever age he left. Nevertheless, to dissect your points even after this fact, Tesla left his hometown in Serbia at the age of 6.. 2 years before Farah. Automatically rendering your point useless. It doesn't matter that he didn't emigrate to the us til 28, since you're trying to argue Mo's Somali background is not relevant since he left Somali at 8. Tesla left even younger. I don't even understand what drives you guys to wish to censor ones ethnicity though. So much to the point that you guys even try to nitpick for such trivial arguments. Not to mention invalid trivial arguments. Leyncho (talk) 10:32, 6 August 2021 (UTC)
 * Sorry, Leyncho, WP:BATTLEGROUND not that appealing to me. Good luck. It will be interesting to see others' views; if you allow them, of course. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:40, 6 August 2021 (UTC)

You are complaining about me not "allowing" other view points because I precisely pointed out how your own point contradicts itself... Leyncho (talk) 11:25, 6 August 2021 (UTC)

Read this talk User:Emily19911991. Also not to mention Somali is an ethnicity while Somalia is the country. It's not "Somali-Born" but "Somalia-Born". User:Martinevans123 this applies to you as well Leyncho (talk) 00:01, 8 August 2021 (UTC)

Nevertheless, it should be Somali-British to keep it short to dictate Somali is the ethnicity but British the nationality. As is done here Irish American and here Nikola Tesla Leyncho (talk) 00:02, 8 August 2021 (UTC)

Farah's father
Sorry, but Farah's father wasn't born in London. The verification provided for this section, are complete nonsense. They say nothing of the sort. What's more, there is nothing online to support this. Not even Farah claimed it.

His father is a British citizen through residency. He moved to the UK in his 20s, to work.

I'm assuming it was maybe changed by an over-patriotic, Brit, but this isn't the place for mythology

Cjmooney9 (talk) 14:30, 15 January 2014 (UTC)

Even if the sources now shown state he's 'London-born', I can find nothing in birth records. In Farah's autobiography, he states that his first name is his own, the second name is his father's, the third name his grandfather's, and the fourth name his great-grandfather's- i.e. his great-grandfather's first name was 'Farah' (this means his twin brother is 'Hassan Muktar Jama Farah', as shown in the same volume.) Therefore, his father's name would presumably be 'Muktar Jama Farah X', the X representing whatever HIS great-grandfather's first name was. The same autobiography, however, lists Mo Farah's father as 'Muktar Farah' in the index, so presumably at some point (likely after Mo's success?) his father simply decided to use his grandfather's name as his own, or Mo Farah thought it'd present things more logically for the index. I can't see why Muktar 'Farah' should prefer his grandfather's name as a 'surname' over his great-grandfather's, that being the custom as Mo Farah presents it and from which there appears no necessity that his father should deviate. At any rate, no 'Muktar Farah' appears in U.K. birth records that I can find, meaning he could be registered with whatever his 'surname' should actually be/ have been. As it stands, there does appear to be a media-endorsed push towards 'legitimising' Mo Farah against racists by making this claim, and such can reasonably be considered to be the case pending the production of proof of his father's birth in the U.K. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.109.209.27 (talk) 18:45, 22 April 2018 (UTC)

An additional point- Mo Farah makes no such claim regarding his father's birth in his autobiography; Muktar 'Farah' first appears in the book with the line 'My parents met when my dad was on a trip back to Somalia from the UK, where he was living and working'- no mention of being born there. Further, Mo Farah discusses his grandparents: '... my great-grandfather, Farah, inherited the farm (at Gogesa)... my grandma... spent time in Djibouti as a young woman... For much of the year, my grandma lived and worked in Djibouti City. When Djibouti got too hot in the summer, Grandma would travel back to Gogesa for the holidays. ...when my great-grandfather died, the farm was sold up and my grandma moved permanently to Djibouti... Grandma was still living in Djibouti with my grandad, Jama, by the time I was born'. Nothing about the preceding indicates that Muktar 'Farah' was born in London, as nothing indicates his parents were ever there. You would think Mo Farah, with all his British connections, would mention what others seem to think of as such an important matter in his autobiography, but he does not. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.109.209.27 (talk) 18:55, 22 April 2018 (UTC)

Regarding naming conventions - traditionally, Somali's do not use family names but instead list the paternal line. Typically, one would have name + father's name + grandfather's name (see, for example, https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/somali-culture/naming-8cf7dce7-c194-4a92-9546-05efcfc49d8f). This presents some difficulties when Somalis move to western countries and apply for citizenship. Because it's unusual for a father and child to have different surnames in most western countries, it's not uncommon to for Somali immigrants to list name + father's name + grandfather's name as given names (or first name + middle name) for their children. The "family name" would then be the great-grandfather's name so that it agrees with that on the father's documentation. This is what happened with my sibling and I and, presumably, what happened with Mo Farah as well (he moved to the UK to join his father as child).

On a related note, would somebody add the Somali spelling of his name? It's Maxamed Mukhtaar Jaamac Faarax but the article is semi-protected and I'm unable to change it. Additionally, the Arabic spelling of his name is likely incorrect. In all likelihood, there should be an "ʾalif" after the "fāʾ" to indicate the long vowel. Farax (without the long vowel) is a Somali/Arabic word meaning happiness but is very rarely used as a masculine name. Faarax on the other hand is so common as a Somali name, it's basically a cliché. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.127.45.136 (talk) 08:03, 10 August 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 10 August 2021
Please add the Somali spelling of his name. It's "Maxamed Mukhtaar Jaamac Faarax". Since he's Somali and not an Arab (and the Arabic spelling is displayed), the Somali spelling should also be displayed.

On a related note, I'm fairly certain that "فارح" is a better "Arabicification" of his name surname than the currently displayed "فرح". The former indicates the long vowel in "Faarax" (Somali spelling) and, crucially, it distinguishes "Faarax" (a very common Somali name) from "Farax" (a Somali/Arabic word meaning happiness) which is almost never used as a Somali masculine name. 69.127.45.136 (talk) 09:05, 10 August 2021 (UTC)


 * ✅ Have added Somali spelling. I guess we need confirmation that the Arabic spelling should be changed. Martinevans123 (talk) 09:15, 10 August 2021 (UTC)