Ethiopian marathon runner, Feyisa Lilesa, has reunited with his family for the first time since going into exile in the United States after protesting against the government at last year's Olympic Games in Rio.

Ceoafrica gathered that his wife, daughter and son flew into Miami, where the 27-year-old athlete met them after a separation of about six months.

Feyisa said “the biggest gift is us seeing each other again, and me seeing them again. It's all been very tough”.

Back in August, Feyisa became the first Ethiopian to finish in the top two of a men's Olympics marathon since 2000, claiming silver behind Kenya's, Eliud Kipchoge.

As he crossed the line, he lifted his arms in an X-shape above his head in solidarity with the Oromo people, the country's largest ethnic group, who have suffered a crackdown at the hands of the Ethiopian government.

The country's officials said the runner would be welcomed home from Rio as a hero, but Feyisa said he might be killed if he returned.