Sir Mo Farah
By Staff Writer, écoute moi
Four-time Olympic champion Farah announced his return to the track to take a shot at a third straight 10,000m gold at the Tokyo Games this year. World record holder Eliud Kipchoge has backed Sir Mo Farah’s decision to walk away from his marathon dream.
The Briton has won double gold at each of the last two Olympics, taking the 5,000 and 10,000 crowns in London and Rio, but switched to the marathon in 2017.
Farah, 36, won the Chicago Marathon in 2018 but has decided to return to the track, admitting the marathon had been “a learning curve.” “The big news is I’m back on the track in the 10,000 meter in Tokyo,” he said on his YouTube channel. “I hope I haven’t lost my speed but I’ll train hard for it and see what I can do.”
Sir Mo Farah
Farah slashed 37 seconds off the European record with a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 11 seconds when he won in Chicago. But with Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge ruling the marathon world, the Briton was never as dominant at the longer distance as he had been on the track.
“To win the Chicago Marathon was nice, to finish third in London was OK, it was good. It’s been a learning curve for me,” he continued. “(But) I’ve decided, Tokyo 2020, I’m gonna be back on the track. I’m really excited to be competing back on the track and give it a go in the 10,000.”
Farah has come under intense scrutiny for his cooperation with American coach Alberto Salazar, who has been banned for four years by U.S. anti-doping authorities. Farah broke off cooperation with Salazar in 2017.
Sir Mo Farah
The sports star went on to say, “It’s great to be back, Chris as I said, you know, you have to enjoy what you do. And I do love it. And I’m just excited.” Evans asked who helped Farah make up his mind, asking whether he’d discussed the decision with his wife. Farah said, “The people you are closest to, your families are the closest.
I did discuss with my wife and you kind of more believe and you talk to your coach, you talk to your agent and you talk to people that you’re close with and people who know you. But mainly it came down to me. You have to enjoy what you do and I sometimes think, you know, having the best chance in Tokyo Olympic team and do well for your country and win medals. I still got a chance through the Olympics.