• London Olympics 2012

Farah: There's a target on my back

ESPN staff
August 8, 2012
Mo Farah says he is feeling tired following his 10,000m exertions © PA Photos
Enlarge

Mo Farah has revealed he is fighting fatigue as he bids to become a double Olympic champion, but the Brit is confident of ending London 2012 on a high - even if he is a "target" for his rivals.

Farah lit up the Games with a thrilling victory in the 10,000m on Saturday, bagging Britain's third gold - after Jessica Ennis (heptathlon) and Greg Rutherford (long jump) - in the space of 45 minutes.

The 29-year-old began his quest to add 5000m gold to his 10,000m triumph on Wednesday, finishing third in his heat in a time of 13 minutes 26 seconds.

However, although his qualification for the final never looked in doubt, the Brit had to work harder than expected to go through automatically.

"I am definitely tired and I think it showed out there," he said. "The legs didn't feel great but that is what happens. Hopefully I will recover well and look forward to the final, forget about what I have done and rest up."

Farah, who is the current 5000m world champion, had to overcome some tricky moments during the race and was forced out wide after being knocked into.

"It was a really rough race," he added. "It was like being in the ring with Anthony Ogogo! As soon as they saw me there was a lot of barging and pushing. I got caught so many times.

"There is definitely a target. I am the Olympic champion over 10,000 metres. You just have to accept it. Hopefully the final won't be as rough because we won't have so many guys."

A cause of Farah's tiredness may be as a consequence of his success in the 10,000m when he became the first British man to win Olympic gold over the distance. Despite the gruelling nature of his win, and the media attention he received afterwards, Farah says he had no intention of letting the possibility of doubling up pass him by.

"By the time I got back it was a late night and there was a lot of emotion," he said. "It is something I had never done before and now I know how much it takes out of you.

"[Now] there is zero pressure. I am not putting any pressure on myself. I want to do well for the crowd because the support drives you further. Whatever I do I will give 100%. I am full of confidence and having the home crowd will definitely drive me more."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close