Neo Workxx » connections and the horse to win the Little Brown Jug

Since the Rio Olympics, when Feyisa Lilesa made an anti-government gesture during the marathon, he has traveled from country to country out of fear of going home. He worries about the family he left behind in Ethiopia. His young kids ask when they will see him again.That one he just cant answer at the moment.Lilesa became an international figure when he crossed his wrists at the finish line last month in Brazil on his way to a silver medal. The gesture drew global attention to the recent deadly protests in his home region of Oromia.Concerned with what might happen to him should he return to his country, Lilesa spent 2+ extra weeks in Rio before arriving in the U.S. about a week ago on a special skills visa, which allows him to train and compete until January. He hasnt seen his wife, 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter since Aug. 17.If I wouldve taken my medal and went back to Ethiopia, that wouldve been the biggest regret of my life, Lilesa said through a translator in a phone interview with The Associated Press as he begins speaking out in the U.S. I wanted to be a voice for a story that wasnt getting any coverage.The Oromia region has experienced enormous anti-government protests in the past few months. The government is now vowing to take drastic measures to deal with mismanagement, corruption and nepotism. But yet, the government has shown few signs of opening up the political space for opposition.Many social media users have changed their profile pictures with the image of Lilesa crossing his wrists, and many are describing him as a national hero for speaking up and bringing it to the international arena.The crossed-wrists gesture has been widely used by anti-government protesters in recent nationwide demonstrations as a sign of peaceful resistance, and before that by the Muslim community when it revolted against the government. It is meant to symbolize being handcuffed by security forces.Lilesas not alone, either: Fellow Ethiopian Ebisa Ejigu flashed a similar gesture when he won the Quebec City Marathon on Aug. 28. Over the weekend, another Ethiopian, Tamiru Demisse, also made the X sign at the Rio Paralympic Games after capturing silver in the 1,500 meters.That solidarity meant a great deal to Lilesa.It gives me hope -- them following in my footsteps and making a stand by saying, `Enough, said Lilesa, who has no plans to file for political asylum.With about 40 million people, the Oromo are Ethiopias largest ethnic group. Their region has seen anti-government protests since November 2015 that activists say have left more than 400 dead.Ethiopias government is often accused of silencing dissent, even blocking internet access at times. Recently, video obtained by the AP showed Ethiopian security forces beating, kicking and dragging several protesters during a rare demonstration in the capital.Theres been increased international pressure on Ethiopia and its treatment of protesters. The United States, for one, last week said it has raised grave concerns about what it called the excessive use of force against protesters in Ethiopia, describing the situation there as extremely serious and calling for an independent investigation.What we are asking for is peace, justice and freedom, said Lilesa, whos currently in Washington, D.C., but hoping to train in a city with a higher elevation. If the situation continues as it is, without any change, its going to degenerate into a conflict that could take a very, very bad direction. ... We need peace. We need change.Lilesa said his wifes brother -- a student at Mada Walabu University in Bale -- was arrested in a protest nearly eight months ago. They still dont know his whereabouts.One of my main concerns if she finds out her brother was one of those who were killed is what will she do? How will she feel? he said. Im not there to support her and comfort her.Ethiopias state broadcaster, EBC, did not re-broadcast images of Lilesas gesture when he finished runner-up on Aug. 21. Some people who were watching live and cheering for Lilesa quickly hushed when they saw his gesture.Lilesa said in a follow-up email hes received no backlash from the International Olympic Committee for his gesture.They came and asked me what the gesture was. I explained, Lilesa said. They empathized with my situation.And while the government assures him he will not face prosecution upon his return home and will have a heroic welcome, as a government spokesman recently said, hes wary of it.Usually, what the government says and what the government does are very opposite, Lilesa said. If change comes to Ethiopia, and the regime changes, and people are finally free, I look forward to the day I can go home and meet with my people. Live with my family in peace.---This story has been corrected to show that the spelling of Lilesas first name is Feyisa, not Feysia.---AP Sports Writer Pat Graham reported from Denver and AP Writer Elias Meseret from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Air Force 1 In Offerta . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. Air Force 1 Uomo Saldi . Ferrer, trying to win his fourth title on Mexican soil, will next play South Africas Kevin Anderson, who eliminated American Sam Querrey,7-6 (2), 6-4. Also Wednesday, Gilles Simon (6) of France beat Donald Young of the United States 6-4, 6-3, Ukraines Alexandr Dolgopolov downed Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4 and Croatias Ivo Karlovic defeated Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (4), 6-2. http://www.nikeairforce1scontate.it/ .J. -- Marshawn Lynch said Thursday it will be good to get back to football after the Seattle quiet talking running back wrapped up his final mandatory media session of Super Bowl week. Air Force 1 Scontate . Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Nenad Zimonjic and Ilija Bozoljac 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on the indoor hard-court at Belgrade Arena. The victory improved the Czech pairs impressive cup doubles record to 14-1. Air Force 1 Scontate Italia . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. Betting Line moved into the lead at the half and sailed home from there to easily win the Little Brown Jug on Thursday afternoon at the Delaware County Fair. His final time of 1:49 broke the world record for a 3-year-old colt pacer on a half-mile track by two-fifths of a second.Dr. J Hanover (Scott Zeron) left strongly to grab the early lead, but elimination winner Western Fame (Mark MacDonald) popped out of the pocket and took the lead before the 26-4/5 opening quarter. Betting Line was third at that point, but David Miller sent him to the outside as they raced in front of the grandstands for the second time, and he took the lead on the outside at the 54 4/5 half, then crossed over to the cones.Betting Line would go on to reach three-quarters in 1:21 4/5, opening up a big lead in the process, and he continued to pour it on in the lane, winning by open lengths over Western Fame. Dr. J Hanover, Lyons Snyder (Sylvain Filion), Manhattan Beach (Matt Kakaley), and Big Top Hanover (Yannick Gingras) rounded out the order.The time of 1:49 broke the previous world record of 1:49 2/5 that had belonged to Somebeachsomewhere (2008, Flamboro Downs) and Rock N Roll Heaven (2010, Delaware Countty Fair).ddddddddddddYeah, it was pretty easy, gushed Miller, who scored his fourth Little Brown Jug victory. He was great both trips, and Im so glad for all the connections and the horse to win the Little Brown Jug.It was the 13th consecutive victory for Betting Line, a millionaire colt by Blue Chip Farms stallion Bettors Delight. Hes trained by Casie Coleman, who won the Little Brown Jug for the third time, for owners Mac Nichol, Christine Calhoun, and West Wins Stable. He paid $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite.Were just so excited he got the job done and won the Little Brown Jug, said Coleman. He looked like he won it quite well in-hand.I love the Jug. Everybody knows Ive always been supportive of this race. I think I pay in every horse I have. I have some cheaper horses Ive paid into this race just hoping theyre good enough to come. Every single year Ill be here supporting it as long as I have a horse good enough.Coleman added that they are strongly considering supplementing Betting Line into the second week of the Grand Circuit Meet at The Red Mile. ' ' '