HE is now Sir Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah, but yesterday in Edinburgh, Britain’s greatest ever track athlete was insisting that people should still call him plain old Mo.
“Anyone that knows me as Mo can call me Mo,” said the new knight, “nothing has changed, but it’s nice to be recognised by your country for your hard work and what you have achieved,”
Farah was in Scotland’s capital ahead of today’s Simplyhealth Great Edinburgh XCountry race in Holyrood Park, with the four-times Olympic champion competing for the first time since being knighted in the New Year honours list.
Farah, 33, said: “It’s an honour to be able to be called ‘sir’, it’s something I never dreamed of as an athlete.
“The first time I represented Great Britain was amazing and to achieve what I have for my country and be recognised by my country and the public is incredible.”
Farah’s recognition comes during a period when immigration has arguably never been a more prevalent or contentious political issue, and the runner feels his journey shows what can happen when someone is given an opportunity.
He was eight years old when he left Somalia to move to Britain and then train at Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club.
“It’s really important,” he said. “I was given a chance and you have to make the most of it.
“Over the years I have worked hard at what I do and for the country. If I wasn’t given that chance I wouldn’t be here.”
Farah is preparing for his final season as a track athlete before concentrating on the marathon, with the World Athletics championships in London in August possibly his track finale.
“I think it’s pretty much going to be my last cross country,” he said. “As an athlete I am lucky to be able to have had the career I have had along the track, and at some point everything has to come to an end.”
Farah had some very kind words to say about Laura Muir, the new British indoor 5,000m record holder, who is also competing in the event today. “It’s pretty amazing to see Laura doing so well,” said Farah, who has won eight gold medals at Olympic and world level since 2012. “I’ve been to championships with her and I know she is a fighter. I have seen her training and she trains like a beast. That’s what it takes when you want to be a champion.
“I didn’t achieve overnight, it has taken me years. I finished sixth, seventh in the world and I did struggle. I had to learn and she is learning. She has that dream of becoming Olympic champion and she will.”
Muir, who is now British 1,500m outdoor record holder as well as 5,000m indoor record holder, is considering a double gold medal bid at the World Athletics championships.
She said: “I will still race over 1500 but 5k is an extra option. London-wise the timetable for both fits pretty well. It’s a possibility.
“It was just good to get some experience and post a time and see where I’m at. We will just have to see how the summer goes. Doing an indoor 5k is a lot different to racing in the summer against these world-class girls.”
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