Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah has admitted his career as an elite track athlete may be over. The announcement came after he endured an embarrassing defeat at the hands of a club runner who had to pay £37 entry fee to compete at the Vitality London 10,000 on Bank Holiday Monday.
The British track star has enjoyed a career which has seen him pick up four Olympic gold medals and six world titles, as well as six Great North Run wins. Following Monday's defeat Farah said he would continue to "take it race by race and let the body see what you can do".
The Somali-born runner had always been renowned for his blistering sprint finish but he couldn't manage it when 25-year-old competitor Ellis Cross crossed the line ahead of him. Cross wasn't even part of the elite field and wore a bib with No 219 on it rather than his name.
Farah clocked in a time of 28 minutes 44 seconds – a minute off his best time on the road, and four seconds behind Cross. Following the defeat Farah was asked if his track career was done.
In response he said: "I think for sure. I’m just being honest with you guys. In terms of track that’s it, I think.
“I’m not a spring chicken any more. You just can’t come back from each session. I’ve got a lot of work to get back into it and race again and be in decent shape.”
Speaking to the BBC, the four-time Olympic champion said: “Your body has to be ready. You have to be in the right frame of mind. You have to be able to compete with the guys.
“Today was a tough day. Ellis did really well to win here. But you’ve got to see where you are. At the minute I don’t even know. You’ve got to take it race by race and let the body see what it can do. I’m not getting any younger, am I?”
The modest athlete refused to blame his injuries for his defeat and paid tribute to Cross – who runs for Aldershot, Farnham and District AC, works in the Up & Running shop in Surbiton and coaches young children.
Meanwhile, winner Cross was awarded a £2,000 cheque for his efforts. It was the first individual prize of his career. The 25-year-old clocked in a time of 28 minutes 40 seconds.
Cross was left stunned by the outcome, saying: “I didn’t believe it until 20 metres from the finish, I was like, ‘He’s just going to outkick me, that’s just that’. I can’t explain the feeling. It’s overwhelming.
“The most inspiring thing for myself is I’ve beaten somebody that’s an idol. He’s known around the world and I’ve just beaten him over his prime distance. I didn’t quite follow the script today but, to pull it off, I’m delighted.”
Farah has since admitted he would be talking to his wife, Tania Nell, about his future.
