Mo Farah has warned his rivals he has never been in better shape as he continues his build up to the Olympics.
The 33-year-old set a world leading time in his first competitive 5,000m of the year at the Anniversary Games on Saturday, crossing the line in 12 minutes and 59.29 secs to bring the London crowd to their feet.
Farah’s triumphant return to the scene of two of his greatest triumphs will only add to his belief that he is about to enjoy another successful summer in Rio.
He of course won gold in both the 5,000m and the 10,000m four years ago in London, victories that appeared to elevate him to the upper echelons of athletics glory.
Since then he has done the distance doubles at the World Championships in both Moscow and Beijing and is the unmistakable favourite among his rivals to do the same in Rio.
However, as the defending champion, he is the man to be beat and the status of being the holder always puts a target on his back.
Winning a second straight Olympic double would propel him into athletics immortality though and the Londoner has sent out a stark warning to his rivals.
The Brit believes he is currently in the best shape he has ever been in, although he accepts there is extra pressure on him due to his status as defending champion.
“No, never,” he replied when asked if he’d ever been in better condition.
“But you can’t forget – is it harder for me to win my first Olympics or is it harder for me to defend?
“I think it’s harder for me to defend, because the rest of the guys have had four years preparation to try and beat me.”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet