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Great Britain’s Mo Farah becomes the second athlete in history to achieve the historic ‘double double’.
In winning the 5,000m and 10,000m at London 2012 and now defending them titles in Rio, he is the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympic golds.
The long distance athlete goes down as one, if not the greatest track and field athlete of all time. Winning golds in the 5,000m at the 2011, 2013 and 2015 World Championships.
While, also winning the 10,000m the 2013 and 2015 World Championships. Furthermore, he’s won the same two events at the previous two Olympics taking his gold medal tally to nine in world events.
Mo Farah claimed gold in the 5,000m beating USA’s Paul Chelimo, who took silver, just ahead of Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris, who finished in the bronze medal position.
The race started off at a frantic pace with the first km taking an extremely quick 2:37 with the Kenyan athletes setting the tempo. They attempted this same tactic in the 10,000m race but failed. As a result the 5,000m ended up being the same result.
In the second half of the race, Farah controlled the race form the front. He was in the lead ahead of all his opponents and he managed to stay in front, holding off the challenges of the Ethiopian and American athletes. Finishing in a time of 13 minutes 3.30 seconds, one second ahead of silver medallist Gebrhiwet, and three seconds ahead of bronze medallist Lagat.
“It shows I didn’t just fluke it in London. To do it again is incredible. I can’t believe it,” Farah told BBC Sport.
“After the 10k my legs were a bit tired but I did it. It is every athlete’s dream.
“This is the most satisfying win of the four, it is incredible. When Kenenisa Bekele won all those medals I said I just want one.”
Mo Farah has had a hugely successful Rio 2016 Olympics defending his 10,000m title last Sunday while managing the same achievement in the 5,000m last night.
The British athlete will end his track career at the World Championships in London next year.
