After his Olympic moment this summer, marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa has become a special symbol for a group of people tied to his native country of Ethiopia.  On Sunday, he made an appearance in Minneapolis to allow some of them to meet him.

Lilesa's visit to the city was on behalf of the Oromo Community of Minnesota.  There was about 1,000 people that came out to greet him at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

Even the line waiting to get into the facility was around the block.  Lilesa greeted the crowd with a symbol that he has now become synonymous with. 

After winning a silver medal in the Olympic marathon this summer, Lilesa formed the letter X with with his arms above his shoulders.  He did it as a move to show solidarity with the Oromo people in Ethiopia who are being persecuted. 

Lilesa now lives in the United States on a special skills visa.  He has a great career outside of Olympic success that started when he won his first event, the 2009 Dublin Marathon. 

In 2011, Lilesa won the World Championship.  Some of the other major races he has captured include the 2010 Xiamen International Marathon and 2016 Tokyo Marathon. 

To inquire about Feyisa Lilesa's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

Feyisa Lilesa Speaks in Minnesota: