Reuters
Beijing, August 29: Britain’s Mo Farah kicked on the final corner and stormed down the home straight to retain his 5,000 metres world title Saturday, securing an unprecedented third successive distance double at major global championships.
The 32-year-old Olympic champion, who won the 10,000m in Beijing last weekend, clocked 13 minutes 50.38 seconds to win a record third straight 5,000 metres world title.
It was Farah’s seventh successive major distance crown after he won the 5,000m at the 2011 World Championships and the double at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.
“It is great to make history,” Farah told the BBC. “I didn’t feel great, my hammy was playing up a bit but the medical team helped me through it and tonight come out here and make a double means so much to me.”
Caleb Ndiku, who kicked with two laps to go to try to mitigate the impact of Farah’s strong finish, won silver for Kenya in 13.51.75 with Hagos Gebrhiwet, second behind Farah in Moscow two years ago, taking bronze for Ethiopia in 13.51.86.
On another muggy night at the Bird’s Nest Stadium, the early pace was slow with Farah at the back and his compatriot Tom Farrell taking the lead.
With six laps to go, Farah eased up to the front and again took a few bumps in the leading pack as he had in the 10,000 metres final and 5,000 metres heats.
Ndiku sped off at the start of the penultimate lap and led for the next 700 metres but Farah stayed with him, closing the gap on the Kenyan before hitting the front after the final bend and crossing the line, arms raised, 10 metres clear.
Matej Toth became the first Slovakian to win a gold medal at the world athletics championships when he cruised to victory in the men’s 50 km race walk Saturday.
FARAH AT GLOBAL COMPETITIONS
YEAR COMPETITION EVENT MEDAL
2011 World Championships in Athletics 10,000m Silver
2011 World Championships in Athletics 5,000m Gold
2012 Olympic Games 10,000m Gold
2012 Olympic Games 5,000m Gold
2013 World Championships in Athletics 10,000m Gold
2013 World Championships in Athletics 5,000m Gold
2015 World Championships in Athletics 10,000m Gold
2015 World Championships in Athletics 5000m Gold