Many congratulations Zeresenay and Team. Once again, you made us proud by clutching Gold at the IAAF/EDF Half Marathon in Birmingham. You are amazing, especially as you make it seem so easy, always smiling and not showing any sign of strain. Watching you running unruffled, apparently enjoying the course while you remain constantly focussed is truly inspirational and exemplary of the master that you are in your field.

Well done also for leading the Eritrean team of elite runners at the Half Marathon to win Silver. You have certainly inspired so many who are quickly following your example.

A Gold and Silver for Eritrea as the National Anthem sounded its inimitable tune was exhilarating. Not many people may be aware that your outstanding achievement and that of your great team on Sunday at Birmingham was about to be denied Eritrea through the unfair, inappropriate, unjust, and mean behavior of the UK diplomatic mission who dithered, refused, and then finally granted you the necessary entry visas only two days before the start of the marathon. The impact the suspense must have had over all of you as you waited for the UK authorities' deliberations can only be imagined. You rose above these deliberate barriers and you and the team all WON!!!!

Awet NeHafash

Seble Ephrem
London