Weini Kelati

Weini Kelati's journey from a small village in Eritrea to becoming an American middle and long-distance running star is one of extraordinary resilience and sacrifice. Born in Tsada Kristian, Kelati grew up in a close-knit family, facing financial struggles after her father's death.

She began running at age 12, initially to shorten her commute to school, and soon became a top-ranked runner in Eritrea. In 2014, at just 17, she traveled to Oregon for the World Junior Championships, where she made the life-altering decision to seek asylum in the U.S., leaving behind her family in pursuit of a better life.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Kelati balanced school with working late shifts to support her family, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of New Mexico. There, she became one of the most decorated runners in the school’s history, winning two NCAA individual titles and 13 All-America honors. In 2020, she turned professional, signing with Under Armour, and in 2021, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Kelati's set a new American record in the half marathon and qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. However, her success on the track has been accompanied by the heartache of being separated from her family for years. In 2022, she was finally reunited with her mother in Uganda, a moment she described as the brightest day of her life.

Kelati’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief in a brighter future, as she continues to inspire others through her running and her unwavering commitment to her family and her adopted country.