- author, Lewis Coombs
- role, BBC South today
Distance runner Mahamed Mahamed said it was a “great feeling” to be named to the Olympic team after finishing fourth at the London Marathon.
The 26-year-old crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 5 seconds, the third fastest marathon time ever by a British runner.
Mr Mahamed, who is based in Southampton, told BBC South Today: “I have worked very hard for the last 12 years to become an Olympian.”
“This is the dedication and time I put into this sport, and it’s paying off now.”
Mahamed set a new personal best and finished within the Olympic qualifying time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 10 seconds, qualifying him for the Paris Games.
Team GB teammate Emil Careless finished third, marking the first time since 1990 that two British athletes have finished in the top five at the London Marathon.
Mahamed, Cares and Philippe Seseman will form the British men's marathon team for the Olympics.
Mahamed was born in Jarso, Ethiopia, and moved to Southampton with his family in 2011 at the age of 14.
After running the London Marathon, he returned to Kantell Secondary School in Southampton and expressed his gratitude to those who first noticed his talent.
“His excitement about what he has achieved is incredible,” teacher Siobhan Dodds said.
“We used to take him to meetings on Saturdays and as he grew we took him to places like Donington and Bolton to help him.”
Mahamed, who trains at Southampton Athletics Club, only made the switch to marathons 14 months ago, but will be competing against some of the world's greatest athletes this summer.
The men's marathon is scheduled to be held on August 10th, and the women's marathon the following day.
