Diamond League Lausanne: Mo Farah's fine finish sees off Yomif Kejelcha's 5,000 metres challenge on his return to the track

Briton makes first competitive appearance since doping allegations were made against his coach, Alberto Salazar

Tom Hayward
Friday 10 July 2015 00:58 BST
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Mo Farah punches the air as he beats Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha across the line in Lausanne
Mo Farah punches the air as he beats Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha across the line in Lausanne (Reuters)

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Double Olympic champion Mo Farah won the 5,000 metres at the Diamond League meeting here in Switzerland in his first competitive race since doping allegations were made against his coach, Alberto Salazar.

The Briton, in his first outing since 1 June and running in the distinctive black kit of the Nike Oregon Project, finished strongly in an exciting final lap against Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha and punched the air and thumped his chest as he powered across the line.

Farah led with two laps to go, controlling the pace from the front, and was still in the lead at the bell. Kejelcha, the 5,000m world junior champion, moved past him with 300 metres to go. But Farah used his most potent weapon, his finishing speed, and when he moved up a gear down the home straight the 17-year-old had no answer.

Farah clocked 13min 11.77sec, ahead of Kejelcha (13:12.59) and Kenyan Edwin Cheruiyot Soi (13:17.17).

Last month Salazar and Farah’s training partner Galen Rupp were accused of violating anti-doping rules in a BBC documentary. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

No allegations were made against Farah and he has reiterated his innocence. He pulled out of last month’s Diamond League meeting in Birmingham, citing stress.

The Briton is due to defend his world 5,000m and 10,000m titles in China next month.

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