http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/Meb-Keflezighis-SD-Family-Celebrate-Boston-Marathon-Win-A-Glorious-Day-256106021.html
Boston Marathon Winner's Family Crowded Around Small Computer to Witness
History
They say they sent prayers his way as he made it to the last mile
By Artie Ojeda | Tuesday, Apr 22, 2014 | Updated 1:52 PM
On Monday, San Diegan Meb Keflezighi became the first American to win the
Boston Marathon in 30 years. NBC 7's Artie Ojeda talked to Meb's family,
who were filled with excitement and anxiety watching the race from San
Diego.
Meb Keflezighi's parents and sister huddled around a small computer screen
inside their Chula Vista home.
They watched Meb take a big lead in one of the world's premiere running
events, the Boston Marathon, only to see it dwindle down to a gut-wrenching
eight seconds approaching the last mile. The family prayed hard enough to
be felt 2,500 miles away from the San Diego County city.
"My heart was beating and oh God, oh God, help him, help him," said Meb's
father Russom. "I was praying and when he made it, I was excited."
At his home in Scripps Ranch, Meb's brother AK also watched and prayed.
"I was kneeling down, praying, sending him positive energy," said AK
Keflezighi. "'God, help him push that last mile because I know he deserves
it. I know he wants it. Nobody works harder than he does.'"
Born in Eritrea, Keflezighi became a U.S. citizen in 1998 after his family
fled war to establish a new home in San Diego in 1987.
The San Diego High School and UCLA alum has won four NCAA titles, the New
York City marathon in 2009, and an Olympic silver medal in 2004
Even with his record of past wins, the family knew very well the symbolic
meaning of Monday's Boston Marathon. It was more than just a race. It was a
chance for America to ease the pain of last year's tragic bombing.
"He's a humble guy. I'm sure he was thinking of the victims that lost their
lives last year," said AK Keflezighi, Meb's brother.
AK said that his brother wrote on his bib the names of the three victims
who lost their lives near the finish line, and also the name of the
security guard killed as police closed in on the bombing suspects.
"It was absolutely a glorious day. He was fantastic. From early on, I knew
it was going to be special," AK said.
<script type="text/javascript" charset="UTF-8" src="
http://www.nbcdfw.com/portableplayer/?cmsID=256106011&videoID=ePk4_dh0AY0G&origin=nbcdfw.com&sec=news&subsec=sports&width=600&height=360
"></script>
Received on Wed Apr 23 2014 - 20:11:46 EDT