A fired-up Mo Farah was determined that no one would deny him a fourth Olympic gold medal as he completed the long-distance double at a second straight Games by storming to 5,000m glory in Rio.
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The 33-year-old, who fought back from a stumble to claim the 10,000m last week, said his victory in the 5,000m on Saturday night had been the most satisfying of the four golds.
Farah added: “Mentally I had to be on top of my game, the guys were out there to get me. I had to stay strong and think “I’ve got a long way to go, this is what I’ve trained for”. I just had to be alert.
The Somali-born Londoner again produced a superb tactical race on Saturday to outfox his rivals and take gold in 13min 3.30sec.
Farah was speaking after one hour of sleep following his 5,000m triumph and, even now, four years after he became a household name at London 2012 and with nine global gold medals to his name, he still has to pinch himself at his success.
Gebrhiwet tried to stay with him as his two countrymen faded but a 52.83 second final lap from Farah was enough – Paul Chelimo snuck through to snatch silver in the end – but all eyes were on the victor.
Farah, who has dedicated each of gold medals to his four children, cites the lure of more time with his family as one of the reasons why he may forgo another Games.
“It’s every athlete’s dream but I can’t believe it”, the 33-year-old Farah said.
“When I hit the front I wasn’t going to let them past me”, said Farah. “My legs were a bit exhausted after the 10k, I don’t now how I recovered”, he told BBC Sport.
The Ethiopian trio of Edris, Gebrhiwet and Dejen Gebremeskel – silver medallist four years ago – set a fast pace in the early stages in a bid to unsettle Farah. In the first six laps we tried our best but when we couldn’t see any change, we held it back then. “I’m going to line up, no matter what, half injured or whatever”. “I just want to see my kids and hang this medal around their necks”. “It’s hard, and I don’t always get to see my kids and I will never catch up on that time I’ve missed, but this is for them”.
“I felt a little bit exhausted at the beginning, so I thought I had to get going again”, he said.
Farah, an African immigrant, has also won the double twice in the same athletic events at the world championships, thereby securing his place among the all-time greats of his sport. “I’m now officially the most accomplished amateur boxer we have ever had, like ever, and it’s such an unbelievable feeling”.
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A DAY after writing another chapter in his fantastic life story with a victory in the 5,000 metres that brought him a fourth Olympic medal, Mo Farah confirmed yesterday he would end his track career at the world championships in London next year before turning his attentions to the road. I enjoy what I do, and I try to make my nation and country proud.
