A marathon runner from Southampton has said it’s a dream come true to qualify for the Olympics after finishing fourth in the London Marathon.

Mahamed Mahamed, 26, moved to England in 2011 from Ethiopia, attending Cantell School with his younger brother Zak, before joining Itchen College and then Solent University, where he honed his talent for long distance running.

“I’m really grateful as they all supported me with my studies,” said Mahamed.

It’s a world away from when Mahamed would chase off wild animals with his brother while protecting herds of cows, sheep, and goats.

After leaving university – where he’d been a sports scholar – Mahamed competed in marathons and half marathons all over the globe, competing against the likes of Sir Mo Farah.

After debuting in the Valencia Marathon last year, Mahamed finished fourth in this year’s London Marathon – in a personal best time of 2:07.05 – making him the third fastest British athlete over that distance, as well as securing his place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Daily Echo: Emile Cairess and Mahamed Mahamed (Image: John Walton/PA)Emile Cairess and Mahamed Mahamed (Image: John Walton/PA) (Image: John Walton/PA)

Mahamed told the Echo: “It’s a dream come true.

READ MORE: Cars and vans at Southampton church set to be 'towed away'

“I grew up watching the London 2012 Olympics and aspiring to get there myself one day.

“As great as it is, a lot of hard work and training goes into it, and I can’t afford to rest for too long as come the Olympics the best marathon runners from all over the world will be competing.”

Though the prospect of an Olympic Games might be daunting for some, Mahamed is dreaming of medal success.

“Who knows what will happen?” he said.

“My first goal is to finish the race, and that was my same mindset in London a couple of weeks ago, my first goal is to complete the race!

“After that, I think anything is possible.”

He added: “I still spend a lot of my time in Southampton and feel like I’m representing the city as well – and there will be people I know watching me – so I want to do well for myself but also for everyone who will be supporting me.”