• World Athletics Championships

Mo Farah seals historic world double

ESPN staff
August 16, 2013
Mo Farah has added to his London 2012 success © Getty Images
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Mo Farah became only the second man to hold the Olympic and World 5000m and 10,000m titles after victory in a thrilling 5000m final at the World Championships in Moscow.

Farah had to be at his very best in an exceptional race. He accelerated with 600m remaining and led at the bell but right until they turned into the home straight he had Kenyan Isiah Kiplangat Koech tight on his shoulder. Farah accelerated and only shook off the challenge in the last 40m. He finished 0.28 seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Hagos Gebrhiwet, with Koech falling back to take the bronze.

He set a time of 13 minutes and 26.99seconds, and is the second athlete behind Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele to achieve the 'double double'.

"This is something I work so hard for. I was thinking about my kids, how long I spend away from them," an emotional Farah said after the race. "It's very difficult because they're growing so fast and I haven't been around for the last four or five months. It was hard this year, harder than last year. I did high-altitude training and sports science.

"I never thought in my career I would achieve something like this. This was very tough - it was all left to the last two laps. I had a lot of pressure but at the same time I enjoy it.

"I am very proud to represent my country and hold the Union Jack. To all the people who give me great support I can't thank you enough. Thank you to all the people back home - I am very proud."

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