Abdi's World: The Black Cactus on Life, Running, and Fun (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781733188784)

Abdi Abdirahman is the only American distance runner to qualify for five Olympics. Born in Somalia, Abdi came to Tucson, Arizona at age 16 after his family escaped civil war. "The Black Cactus," as the 44-year-old is affectionately known, is also the oldest American runner to qualify for the Olympics, the oldest male to podium at the New York City Marathon, and the US master's record holder in the marathon. Abdi is a four-time national champion at 10,000m and a five-time US road champion. He has represented the United States 13 times in international competitions. Myles Schrag is co-founder of Soulstice Publishing and the author of seven books. He holds a master's degree in kinesiology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has helped more than 200 books reach publication as either an acquisitions editor, developmental editor, publisher, or manuscript broker. Foreword writer Sir Mo Farah took double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, only the second runner ever to win both events at successive Olympic Games. He also completed the distance double at the 2013 and 2015 World Track and Field Championships. Farah, born in Somalia, is the most decorated British track athlete of all time.