When you’re unlucky enough to fall over near the start of a 10,000m run, it’s one thing to be able to get up and finish the race.
It’s quite another to get back up and win the damn thing – which is exactly what Mo Farah has done on Day 8 at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, taking his second Olympic medal in the event after he had a fairytale win in his home games four years ago.
Farah is a legend of British athletics – even before he stepped on the track today, there was no doubt he’ll go down in history as one of their most fondly-remembered athletes in the history of distance running.
His victory in Rio has added a fresh coat of paint to his legacy. Another gold medal added to the tally, and done so in thrilling style.
Farah started the race in his traditional style, taking it easy and going at a steady pace with a big finish no doubt the plan. The pack was moving at about 71 seconds a lap, and Farah waited for his time to strike.
About a third of the way into the race, he went up a gear and moved into first, but only briefly, sliding back and allowing others to take the lead. Plenty of time to come.
It was about 12 minutes into the race that Farah’s chances took a fall – and not just figuratively.
Clipped from behind by training partner Galen Rupp, Farah hit the floor. Luckily however, he was uninjured, sprung back to his feet, and was immediately back into the race. Unpeturbed, he just continued to do the business.
With one kilometre to go, Farah made his move, accelerating to hit the front of the race. He faced some stiff competition in the home stretch but when the finish line came, it was Farah at the front.
A time of 27:05.17 saw the 33-year-old win his third Olympic gold medal and successfully defend his 10000m win from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Kenya’s Paul Kipngetich Tanui finished with the silver less than half a second behind Farah, Tamirat Tola of Ethiopa taking third.
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