Angry Farah hits out at questions over Salazar
Mo Farah has criticised the degree of attention given to his relationship with controversial coach Alberto Salazar and claims some critics are “trying to destroy” his legacy.
The four-time Olympic champion hit out having been asked about Salazar after taking 5,000-metre silver at the World Championships in London on Saturday.
Salazar is being investigated by the US Anti-Doping Agency and did not attend the World Championships.
Farah joined Salazar’s Nike Oregon Project in 2011 and the pair have enjoyed considerable success together. The British runner has won four Olympic gold medals and six world titles during his time with Salazar, and added the 10,000m crown last week.
Their success has not come without scrutiny. Farah – who will retire from the track at the end of the month to focus on road racing – feels it is unfair.
“It’s like a broken record, repeating myself, if I’ve crossed the line, if Alberto’s crossed the line,” he said. “Why bring it up year after year, making it into headlines? I’ve achieved what I have achieved. You’re trying to destroy it.
“You have to educate the right people to say what’s fair. So many times, you guys have been unfair to me. I know that. But say it how it is.
“I want you to write the truth about what’s out there and educate people out there. But be honest with them.”
Farah said the media focus on Salazar was distorting his achievements to the public.
“History doesn’t lie,” he said. “What I achieved over the years, people are proud of me. You can write what you like. The fact is I’ve achieved what I have from hard work.
“There’s nothing else to be said. History doesn’t lie. I’ve achieved what I have through hard work and dedication, year after year. Sometimes I find it bizarre how certain people write certain things to suit how they want to sell the story.”
Farah also dismissed any significance over Salazar’s absence and is still unsure whether the pair will continue together when he switches to the road.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’ve a few races left, Then I’ll take a nice break. And see how it goes,” Farah said.
“How many races has he been to this year for me or last year? He hasn’t been to any races. For the last three or four years I have been pretty much by myself and it didn’t make much difference really. I knew what I needed to do.”