–Sinéad O’Carroll reports from Rio de Janeiro
NOT EVEN A fall could stop Mo Farah from retaining his Olympic champion status at 10,000 metres after an incredible race in Rio de Janeiro.
The British athlete came over the line in 27:05.17 after a fierce battle in the last 400 metres with Kenya’s Paul Kipngetich Tanui who ran a personal best of 27:05.64.
The Olympic Stadium erupted as the 25-year-old challenger made his move about 100 metres after the bell but Farah wasn’t giving up his title that easy.
There was a moment – just a tiny split second – where there may have been a doubt but coming off the back straight, the two went head-to-head in a full-on sprint.
And there was only going to be one winner then.
Farah moved into the second lane and did what only Mo can do.
He left Tanui well behind him, taking just one cautionary look and crossed the line to take the 10,000m gold medal for the second time in-a-row.
There were immediate Mo celebrations (making the M shape with his hands and head), but morphed quickly – maybe forced – into a dramatic fall to the ground with exhaustion.
Tanui took silver, while bronze went to Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia.
The earlier part of the race wasn’t without drama either as Farah tripped and fell to the track. He recovered immediately, moving into fourth position and remaining there comfortably for the next lap and a half before sliding up into a podium position.
More from The42′s team in Rio:
