Fantastic Four for Farah
Mo Farah (handicap -7.7), who has been consistenly top of the National Ladder since June 2013, took his career tally to four world titles as the 32 year old won British Athletics’ first gold medal in the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
It was business as usual for Farah who showed his composure despite being tripped twice in the last few laps, to claim victory in a new stadium record of 27:01.13. The six-time global gold medallist just edged out Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor and will now be targeting an unpresented double at consecutive championships with the first round of the 5,000m taking place on Wednesday.
An elated Farah said afterwards: “I knew the pace was going to get faster and faster so it was important if they were running 63 or 62s (second laps) you can’t stop for water. But earlier before the pace picked up, I stopped for water and poured it over my head and then from there I just stay relaxed and calm. The last lap that was close - I honestly thought at one point I was gone because I stumbled.
“For sure (the hardest race) – the Olympics were pretty tough because of the pressure and being at home, but at the same time it was never that quick.
“I genuinely enjoy running and I love what I do. For me it’s great to win here tonight and back it up year after year.”
It had been an impressive first day for Jessica Ennis-Hill and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the women’s heptathlon with the duo occupying the top two spots going into the final but It was a tale of two stories as the heptathlon entered the final day of action earlier today. Jessica Ennis-Hill maintained her lead from overnight in the long jump courtesy of her second round effort of 6.43m, but it was heartbreak for Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who registered three no jumps. After two fouls, it looked like the Liverpool Harrier had produced a big jump only for the red flag to be raised stepping over the board by an agonising 0.10cm – dropping her down to 29th on the overall standards by the end of the day.
In the penultimate event, Ennis-Hill’s first attempt of 42.51m in the javelin saw the Olympic champion go into the 800m with a lead of 86 points. Johnson-Thompson bravely fought back from her long jump disappointment to record a best throw of 39.52m.
Martyn Rooney delivered a captain’s performance for the British Athletics team in the second heat of the 400m, which produced no fewer than two national records, one area record and a personal best for the 28 year old. Seven years on from setting his previous best mark in the Bird’s Nest Stadium at the Olympic Games, Rooney showed that it was a happy hunting ground finishing fourth in 44.45 – 0.15 off his time set in 2008.
The race which was won by Saudi Yousef Ahmed Masrahi in 43.93, but Rooney who is now ranked fourth on the UK all-time lists secured his semi-final berth as a fastest qualifier.
Rooney said: “Every start list for every heat was incredible, all world-class. I came in to run fast, and I knew I was going to have to run 44-high. But to run 44.4 and come fourth, it’s just shows where the standard of athletics is. The standard of the event has picked up, with these heats being won in 44.5 and mine 43.9. All of the guys in the event are running fast, they all look good.
“The basis of my appeal was that I am a championship performer. But I have to make the final yet, and then I’ll be vindicated. For now I need to come back and do it all again, and maybe even better.”
British champion Rabah Yousif continued his strong 2015 form winning the fifth heat of the 400m in 45.24, but up against the three 2012 Olympic medallists in his heat Jarryd Dunn failed to progress.
Medals for British Athletics at the IAAF World Championships, Beijing, China
Gold– men’s 10,000m – Mo Farah