Mo Farah 'wouldn't change a thing' after signing off home track career with Birmingham win
Farah will retire from the track after the Diamond League final in Zurich on Thursday to focus on marathon racing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Mo Farah insists he has fulfilled his dreams after winning his final track race on home soil.
The four-time Olympic champion took victory in the 3,000 metres at the Diamond League in Birmingham in seven minutes 38.64 seconds on Sunday.
He will retire from the track after the Diamond League final in Zurich on Thursday to focus on marathon racing.
Farah has conceded there are no guarantees he will wear a Great Britain vest again as he feels it will take him two years to get to grips with the marathon. But after his final UK race before switching to the road Farah, who has won 10 global titles, said he has achieved his goals.
He said: "All I ever wanted to do as an athlete is run for Great Britain. I remember when I did the mini marathon as a kid, I got interviewed and asked what I wanted to do, I said I want to run for Great Britain. It's like wow, and then you compete in the world juniors and stuff. It's been amazing. It's been incredible.
"Now it's finally done, I won't be taking part. It feels a bit sad. Obviously I think I will feel it more when I watch it on TV and see the guys, athletes I train with and people I have been in the circle with, I think it might detach me a little bit. But at the same time it has been an honour, I wouldn't change any part of my career, what I've done. It's been a great experience to learn from the Kenyans and continue on."
Farah gave his shirt to Andrew Butchart, who came fourth, and urged him to fill his shoes. Butchart, 25, finished sixth in the 5,000m Olympic final last year - which Farah won - and came eighth in the final at the World Championships earlier this month.
He said: "He (Farah) just said, 'It's up to you now, do your best, it's your time to shine.' I don't know (what to do with the vest) but it is such a great gesture for him to give it to me. I'll definitely look after it and cherish it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments