Migrant Runner Who Trained With Mo Farah Denies Sexual Assault

A Somali asylum seeker who trained alongside Olympic legend Mo Farah and smashed records on the British athletics scene has denied serious sexual assault charges at a crown court hearing.

Abdinasir Elmi, 25, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Monday where he formally entered not guilty pleas to one count of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

The defendant, who required a Somali interpreter throughout the brief administrative hearing, confirmed his personal details and pleas via the translator before Judge Rufus Taylor.

Prosecutor Oliver Hirsch outlined the Crown’s case while defence counsel Richard Tutt represented Elmi, who joined the hearing via video link from custody.

Both barristers encountered scheduling difficulties in fixing a trial date that accommodated their diaries.

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Judge Taylor stressed the gravity of the allegations, stating: “It’s a serious case and I would prefer continuity of counsel on both sides if at all possible.”

A pre-trial review was duly set for 9 January 2026, with a full jury trial listed to commence on 9 February 2026.

The charges stem from two alleged incidents said to have occurred earlier this year in April.

Court papers disclose that at the time Elmi was residing at a Home Office-contracted migrant hotel in Bournemouth.

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He had begun training with Bournemouth Athletic Club only in October 2024, shortly after arriving in the United Kingdom, though the precise date of his entry remains unclear.

A club profile published that month highlighted Elmi’s elite credentials in Somalia, noting he had previously shared training sessions with four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah and European record holder Bashir Abdi.

It further praised his half-marathon times of 63 and 64 minutes – performances that would rank him among Britain’s top distance runners – and celebrated his rapid integration into the local scene.

Elmi went on to set a new course record of 14:32 at Bournemouth parkrun in May this year.

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England Athletics has since confirmed the athlete was registered with the governing body but moved swiftly following the charges.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that Abdinasir has been a registered athlete, and we are looking into the matter with a view to suspending his England Athletics membership.

“We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation.”

Bournemouth Athletic Club declined to respond to requests for comment when approached by UK Courts Live.

Elmi remains in custody ahead of next year’s trial.