Foster: Mo earned right to leave the Olympics behind
MO FARAH will start the second and, probably, final chapter of his career in today’s Great North Run but his decision to opt out of major championships — even over his new default distance of the marathon — has been defended by the race’s founder, Brendan Foster.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist, who signed off his track career two weeks ago in Zurich, has refrained from forecasting what he might accomplish by focusing his energies fully on the road.
Even at the age of 34, many within UK Athletics would prefer Farah to leave the door ajar to competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Yet, argues Foster, he has earned the right to pursue other goals.
‘Mo Farah is the expert in Britain at winning gold medals,’ Foster said. ‘He’s won 10 global titles on the track and he’s decided it’s enough for him.
‘He’s getting older. He wants to run further — and that means the marathon and half-marathon.
‘Now whether he’s as good at that as he was at the 10,000 metres is another thing. Like everyone, I’m going to wait and see.’
Foster will be the official starter in Newcastle today, just weeks after he retired from the BBC commentary box.
Para-athletics star Jonnie Peacock won the T44 100m at the Great North City Games before taking a year off from sport.
The Briton is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing and said: ‘Hopefully I’m a bit more graceful.’