The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Student Butchart ready to step up
Andrew Butchart has watched Mo Farah at close quarters, studying what it takes to become a champion. Now he’s ready to step up.
Farah’s farewell track race at the World Championships ended with a 5,000m silver, his first defeat in a major final in 2147 days.
Butchart, sixth in last year’s Olympic final, admitted he found the going tough as Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris announced himself as Farah’s successor with an impressive win.
But the 25-year-old Scot, who came home eighth, believes that while no-one can be the ‘next Farah’ he can get into the medal mix at next year’s Commonwealth Games and European Championships.
“I ended up watching it on the big screen, because they were so fast,” he said.
“I was cheering on Mo in my head, but I was spent. My coach told me what the race was going to be like, and it went exactly as he said.
“It’s nice to be up there at the front because the crowd gets going. They give you so much more, such a boost of energy and I needed that at the time.
“It was a hard race and it was hard to watch Mo finish second. He is an absolute legend. He is the best British athlete of all time, he really is 100%.
“Even though he got beaten, he’s won 10 global titles and that’s just incredible. A silver isn’t the end of the world, he’s still an incredible athlete.
“He’s a good guy to have on my side. We’re good friends, and if I need help, he’ll definitely be there for me, and me for him.”
Butchart is still learning his trade – at the same age Farah hadn’t even made a global final with the Scot already boasting two top 10 finishes.
Meanwhile, Farah, who will now focus on road running, has vowed to help the next generation of British long distance runners.
“It’s about not thinking selfishly, not thinking financially,” said the six-time world and four-time Olympic champion.
“If we love the sport, you try to help others and I believe the knowledge and what I’ve learned over the years, I can contribute towards the younger kids and make a difference.”