Sir Mo Farah, the renowned British long-distance runner, stands as an exemplary figure in the world of athletics, celebrated for his prowess in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, which have earned him four coveted Olympic gold medals.
Mo Farah's Early Life:
The origins of Mo Farah's life carry a unique blend of adversity and transformation. Born Hussein Abdi Kahin in Somaliland, his early years were marked by tumultuous events. Tragically, his British citizen father, (who had never actually set foot in England), met an untimely demise when Mo was a mere four years old. This circumstance led Mo on a path to Djibouti, where he found himself under the care of his uncle.
However, a remarkable turn of events saw Mo's life undergo a dramatic shift. He was airlifted to England by an enigmatic woman who asserted the existence of familial ties in the country. In this swift transition, "Hussein" transformed into the iconic "Mo Farah."
Formal education did not commence for Mo until the age of 12. When he eventually entered the academic sphere, he became close to and confided in his sports teacher, Alan Wilkinson, revealing a living situation that mirrored the trials of a modern-day Cinderella, wherein Mo had lived a life akin to servitude.
Alan took action, informing authorities and Mo was found a new home with a Somali family, forging an enduring bond with Alan Wilkinson thereafter. While Mo initially harbored aspirations of becoming a professional footballer, Alan's influence proved persuasive, guiding Mo towards the world of running, with training sessions extending beyond the confines of school hours. Alan would frequently taxi Mo from home to the track in his own time, such was his commitment to his young prodigy.
Mo's initiation into competitive running came in the form of a ninth-place finish in the school cross-country championships in 1996. Yet, this was merely a prologue to his remarkable journey. The subsequent year witnessed a triumphant return, with Mo securing the gold medal. His ascent continued, capturing an astounding four more school titles.
Mo's trajectory was marked by a series of victories at the national and international levels, buoyed by influential supporters, including the esteemed Paula Radcliffe. In 2011, he embarked on a new chapter, relocating to the United States.
Mo Does America:
Upon his arrival in the United States in 2011, Mo Farah's career embarked on an unparalleled winning streak. Commencing with the acquisition of the 5,000-meter title at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), his accomplishments resonated across continents.
The following chapter of his illustrious career unfolded during the London Olympics, where Mo Farah dazzled the world by clinching not one but two gold medals. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of sporting history and affirming his status as a global athletics icon.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Mo has amassed an impressive array of achievements that have solidified his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history. From Olympic gold medals to world records, his journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence
Olympic Games:
Place | Discipline | Mark | Location | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5000 Metres | 13:03.30 | Rio de Janeiro | 20 AUG 2016 |
1 | 10,000 Metres | 27:05.17 | Rio de Janeiro | 13 AUG 2016 |
1 | 5000 Metres | 13:41.66 | London | 11 AUG 2012 |
1 | 10,000 Metres | 27:30.42 | London | 04 AUG 2012 |
World Championships:
Place | Discipline | Mark | Location | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10,000 Metres | 26:49.51 | London | 04 AUG 2017 |
1 | 5000 Metres | 13:50.38 | Beijing | 29 AUG 2015 |
1 | 10,000 Metres | 27:01.13 | Beijing | 22 AUG 2015 |
1 | 5000 Metres | 13:26.98 | Moskva | 16 AUG 2013 |
1 | 10,000 Metres | 27:21.71 | Moskva | 10 AUG 2013 |
1 | 5000 Metres | 13:23.36 | DS, Daegu | 04 SEP 2011 |
2 | 5000 Metres | 13:33.22 | London | 12 AUG 2017 |
2 | 10,000 Metres | 27:14.07 | DS, Daegu | 28 AUG 2011 |
6 | 5000 Metres | 13:47.54 | Osaka | 02 SEP 2007 |
7 | 5000 Metres | 13:19.69 | Berlin | 23 AUG 2009 |
The entire list is as long as a Marathon itself and further reading can be found at the World Athletics website.
How to get your medal on like Mo:
Here at North East Trophies we stock a large range of running medals which come with custom engraving and can be delivered anywhere in the UK as quickly as the next day.
Olympic Gold:
Our polished gold running medal is 4.5cm in diameter and features two runners (we think the woman is just ahead and about to grab the glory)
The versatile gold running medal can be awarded to runners across a selection of distances (as long as they come 1st place) . It is fully engravable too!
Finish the look with our team GB inspired red, white and blue medal ribbon
Check out our full collection of running medals. Each is available with your own team coloured ribbons and can be personalised with engraving on the back.
As a thank you for taking the time to read our blog you can get 10% discount on your first order. Just use code BLOG10 at checkout.
- Mo Farah has an identical twin brother called Hassan. They were once inseparable and used to eat off the same plate growing up
- At the Beijing Olympics, Mo was knocked unconscious before the final 5000 metre event (he went on to win)
- Following success at the 2012 London Olympics, Mo invented his now trademark victory pose, “the Mobot”. The pose is now viral with celebrities often seen getting their Mo-on.
- Mo used an underwater treadmill up to three times a week, often on pretty tough inclines
Image Credits: Brian Minkoff, London Pixels CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
References:
If you'd like to learn more about Sir Mo Farah, we have listed the articles we used during our research:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mo-Farah - Mo Farah Biography
https://worldathletics.org/athletes/great-britain-ni/mo-farah-14189197 - Mo Farah records
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