States would do Andy the world of good
ANDY BUTCHART can become a world beater by making a Stateside switch insists running legend Mo Farah.
After retiring from the track last month, Farah began a new chapter in his career yesterday by racking up his fourth win in a row at the Great North Run.
And Butchart – the Scot Farah has backed to follow in his golden footsteps over 5000 metres – has confirmed he’s going to place his career in the hands of Boston-based coach Terrence Mahon after seeking out the four-time Olympic champion’s advice.
Farah, who went to the USA in 2009 in a bid to reach the top, said: “Butchart’s a great athlete. Like myself, I had to make a decision on what I wanted. You have to commit and decide what you want.
“I talked to him and said the person who he was looking at – Terrence – is a great coach. You make that decision because you want somebody who can help give you more and who is committed to you.
“I said, ‘I was once like you, I was there but not quite there’. It’s how much you want it. You have to understand who can help get you there.”
Butchart, who rounded off his season by coming seventh in the mile at Saturday’s Great CityGames in Newcastle, revealed he’s ready to up his load.
He said: “I’m going to go for Euro Cross. I’m down to run a half-marathon at the Great Scottish but that’s just a bit of fun. I’ll not be out for a fast time. It’s just a matter of starting winter training.
“But there is so much on next year. World indoors. Commonwealth Games. And then you have to peak again for the European Championships. We have to make sure we do the right thing.”
Mary Keitany won the women’s Great North Run in 1:05.59 and Scot Sammi Kinghorn was second in the wheelchair event. The para sprint star said: “It’s a lot different from track – a lot to get used to.”