The victories by Mo Farah in the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters were some of the greatest moments in British athletics. My friend, Matt Turnbull, sent this link to BBC reaction to the dramatic races. You will see Brendan Foster and Steve Cram doing the event live and Colin Jackson, Diane Lewis and Michael Johnson getting animated during Mo’s races!
When asked, I told the BBC world radio that Mo Farah’s racing tactics made me a nervous wreck. But Mo’s modus operandi, getting in the lead by 700 meters to go, picking up the pace and knocking the snot out of his competitor’s legs, followed by a 52 point or 53 point last lap is very dramatic and tremendously effective. Mo Farah is the most effective distance racer in the world today. His competitors had chance after chance to take him out, and they did not. Farah took the chances and the gambles, and he won.
Oh, and one more thing. Mo Farah is a Brit, through and through. In GBR, like in the US, people come to those countries for a better life. Our falafel guy in Storrige, he was from Turkey and told us about how UK is the promised land.
Having watched Mo Farah race and develop as an athlete, as well as Galen Rupp, it makes bits like what we have below even more fun. Mo Farah has brought people back to the fun and competitiveness and nobility of our sport. Well done !
