Meb Keflezighi

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.

Want to book Meb Keflezighi for an event?

Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-995-0905 to book Meb Keflezighi for a keynote speech, corporate event, leadership program, workshop, fireside chat, virtual appearance, or other private or professional event.

Our team will help confirm Meb Keflezighi’s availability, speaking fee, travel requirements, and fit for your audience. To start the booking process, please share your event date, location, audience size, event format, and the type of presentation you are looking for.

The Mollie Plotkin Group is a full-service keynote speaker agency and entertainment bureau that helps organizations secure keynote speakers, entertainers, athletes, celebrities, and thought leaders for corporate meetings, conferences, fundraisers, and special events.

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.

To hire Meb Keflezighi for an event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with the proposed event date, location, audience size, event format and program goals. Meb Keflezighi is available for corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, private events, workshops, fireside chats and virtual programs.

After receiving your request, a Mollie Plotkin Group booking agent will review Meb Keflezighi’s availability, discuss the event details and get back to you within 48 hours with next steps for securing Meb Keflezighi for your program.

The cost to book Meb Keflezighi depends on the event date, location, format, audience size and scope of the appearance. Speaking fees may vary for keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events, corporate meetings and virtual programs.

For the most accurate Meb Keflezighi booking fee, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with your event details. Our team will help confirm availability, pricing and the best format for your event.