Jan 13 2025
U.S. Olympic Medalist and Eritrean-born All-American athlete Meb Keflezighi is an inspirational speaker who is the face of leading brands such as Sketchers, Oakley, and Sony.
U.S. Olympic medalist and brand ambassador Meb Keflezighi is an internationally recognized Eritrean-born American long-distance runner.
Meb Keflezighi broke into American popular culture in 2014 after becoming the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983.
However, Keflezighi was already an accomplished American athlete. He won the silver medal in the 2004 Olympic games for marathon running. In fact, his Olympic career followed an exceptional collegiate career at UCLA, earning many All-American awards and accolades.
His professional athletic career embodies the heart of the American Dream, having become a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1998. He arrived in the U.S. as one of ten other children and his family refugees from Eritrea.
In 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services recognized Keflezighi as an Outstanding American by Choice.
Meb Keflezighi is currently sponsored by Sketchers, Sony, Oakley, Inc., New York Athletic Club, and many other leading organizations.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-510-6607 to book Meb Keflezighi for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field, so whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting, or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
Meb Keflezighi’s family came to the United States in 1987 as refugees from Eritrea, fleeing their home country which had been embroiled in a civil war that ultimately lasted for 30 years.
“It gave me hope,” Keflezighi said to NBC Sports in reference to his upbringing.
Starting in high school, Meb demonstrated his exceptional running talent. In 1994, He won both the 1600 meters and 3200 meters at the CIF California State Championships.
At UCLA, Meb won four NCAA championships and earned several All-American awards and other accolades. In 2010, UCLA would induct Meb into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following his collegiate career, Keflezighi became a three-time national champion in cross-country running, and a U.S. Olympian. He won the USA Cross Country Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2009. Not to mention his silver-medal finish in the men’s marathon of the 2004 Olympics.
Then, in 2010, Meb Keflezighi released his autobiography Run to Overcome, detailing his upbringing and athletic training. While this appeared to be the pinnacle of his career, Nike would drop his sponsorship in 2011.
Although, Keflezighi’s career was far from over. Sketchers sponsored him in 2013, just before Keflezighi would make history.
Finishing first in the 2014 Boston Marathon catapulted Sketchers’ sales, and Keflezighi’s career. As the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, Keflezighi earned many more sponsorships and the status of a legendary athlete.
Today, organizations hire Meb Keflezighi not only as a special guest but as an inspirational speaker. His story truly outlines the American Dream.
Find out how to hire Meb Keflezighi to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about Meb Keflezighi’s availability and cost. When booking Meb Keflezighi for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. Meb Keflezighi is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG Meb Keflezighi booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.
How much to book Meb Keflezighi depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire Meb Keflezighi for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, Meb Keflezighi is available for conferences, festivals, private parties and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.
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