THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Marathons now the focus after final victory here
SIR MO FARAH ended his glittering track career with a farewell victory then told his younger team-mates: It’s your turn to inspire a generation.
In his final track race on British soil, the four-time Olympic champion won the 3,000 metres at the Diamond League in Birmingham in seven minutes 38.64 seconds.
Farah, who will retire from the track at the Diamond League final in Zurich on Thursday, made a point of handing his vest to fourth-placed Scot, Andrew Butchart, at the end of the race.
When asked why, the 34-year-old explained: “This is it for me, that was my message for Andy – ‘This is me done, take over and just inspire them, see what hard work is about and what it takes to be a champion’.
“He has got a great attitude and we need to inspire the next generation.
“I gave it to him because he’s a great athlete, he gives 110 per cent and is learning over the years. He’s a good guy.”
Farah also admitted he may never compete for Great Britain again as he starts to focus on marathon racing.
He said: “To be honest, to have achieved what I have achieved has been incredible. If I come out of the marathon and I’m the best at the marathon, I might compete, it depends.
“But, as an athlete, the next couple of years, it’s going to take me at least two or three marathons to get it right, to learn from it, it’s not easy. It could be my last time.”
Farah took the lead with just over a lap left and beat Spain’s Adel Mechaal, with Davis Kiplangat third and Butchart finishing fourth.
He intends to appear at the Great North Run in September, but does not yet know when his first marathon will be.
Farah said: “I remember when I did the minimarathon as a kid. I got interviewed and asked what I wanted to do. I said, ‘I want to run for Great Britain’.
“Now it’s finally done, I won’t be competing for Great Britain, in terms of major championships. It feels a bit sad.
“It has been an amazing week – I’ve managed to have a bit of downtime with the family, but emotions have been high coming into this event. Not as much as London for the World Championships, but it is my last time at home and I really enjoyed it.
“I was just thinking about the race and who was there. I had to technically get it right.
“I never dreamed I would become a fourtime Olympic champion and multiple world champion. I now have to see what I will do on the road. I don’t think I’ll have the same pressure so I’ll go and enjoy it.
“Running can be hard when you get the pressure, but the roads will be something completely different.”