Farah says he's nearing the end of his career. Credit: AFP/Justin Tullis
Sir Mo Farah issued a personal statement to protesters not to disrupt the Sunday London Marathon and confirmed that it would be his last run of the distance.
The 40-year-old four-time Olympic champion has said he will leave track and field with «no regrets» and, while planning «a few more» shorter races, will not attempt to qualify for the World Championships. Championships later this year at any distance.
There were fears that environmental activists might target the event in the wake of the chaos caused on Monday by a Just Stop Oil activist at Sheffield's Crucible Theater and a 30,000-strong Extinction Rebellion protest in London this weekend. Both groups, however, have vowed they don't want to ruin the London Marathon, which is expected to raise over £60m for charity.
«There are so many people involved — running after loved ones, raising money for charity and helping others,» Farah said. “This is what we must remember. Yes, we are the elite, but this is not about us. Much more important are the people who take part and run after loved ones. This is what the London Marathon is about.
“We all love sports. People want the best athletes to compete and put on a good show.”
Farah has been training for his latest marathon in Ethiopia, and while he feels ready for the 26.2-mile challenge through London, he is not thinks his body can continue to respond to challenges. He withdrew from last year's London Marathon due to an injury sustained a week before the race, but has always been determined to go full circle in his career by bowing to the London crowd.
It was here that he ran a mini-marathon as a child and was the scene of his most iconic achievement when he won double gold at the 2012 London Olympics for the UK after being illegally trafficked into the country at the age of nine. .
«I think it's going to be pretty emotional because you know this is your last trip,» Farah said. “When you know it's the end of the road, you always feel emotional. I think it will get to me. Maybe there will be tears after the race. I think I owe them [the crowd] now, so the main thing is to go there and just enjoy it.
“This will be my last marathon. My body, where it is, I'm getting closer
About the end of my career. You can't do what you were doing or you'll get hurt.»
Farah also said he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the lifetime ban given to Alberto Salazar, his coach between 2011 and 2017, after U.S. Olympian Kara Gutscher recently went public with allegations of sexual assault. Salazar, who denies the allegations, began a four-year ban for three anti-doping violations in 2019, and Farah said they haven't spoken since they broke up in 2017, when the first indictment was filed.
The question has been asked. if he had any regrets in his career, Farah said, “Not at all. There are always bumps, ups and downs. You should be grateful for the long career you have made. I had a goal and I went there and won medals for my country.
“To be honest, the marathon didn't go as well as I wanted. But you can't always think “if only.”
“I wouldn't have done anything else in my career. I wouldn't change a thing.»
Asked if it had anything to do with Salazar's criticism, Farah replied, «You can only control what you can control. I haven't spoken to him in a long time when I left the US in 2017.» Faro was also asked if he had any words for Gouche. “I haven’t seen anything like this since I was in training camp,” he said. “Since 2017, I have gone further.” On Salazar's lifetime ban, he added: «It's not my decision, it's the people who make the right decision.»
Farah, who never failed a drug test, was also adamant that his legacy was not harmed by the Salazar association and he hopes he will be remembered for being an inspiration to British athletes.
“Growing up as a child, the UK was a difficult thing,” he said. “But you accept it and you love it and you see the support I have received from my country and my PE teacher who pointed me in the right direction. If not for him, I would not be in the sport. That's why I always go there with such pride in my country. I love being able to help other British athletes who can benefit from my experience and my accomplishments.”
Eilis McColgan's place in the London Marathon, which will be her debut race on the course, is in doubt after a knee injury. “Unfortunately, in the last few days I have been suffering from knee pain,” said the Commonwealth Games champion in the 10,000 meters. «I'm waiting to see how he reacts to the treatment and want to wait as long as possible before making a final decision on whether to race.»
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