Every now and then a special performer appears and, right now, it's Mo Farah.
A few minutes ago, Farah put himself into genuine superstardom with a stunning performance in the World Championship 5,000 metre final. Following his win in the 10,000 meters last weekend, he bided his time and only seemed to take the race seriously in the last 2 or 3 laps. With less than 800 meters left, he finally moved to the front and, despite the best efforts of his opponents, he refused to be passed, eventually storming to victory and even going away from the others over the last 50 metres.
Farah has now become holder of both the Olympic and World 5,000 and 10,000 metre titles at the same time, something only previously achieved by the great Ethiopian, Kenenisa Bekele. Of course, others may have achieved the same had the opportunity arisen, but the World Championships have only been held since 1983 so many great athletes never had the chance; whether or not Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek or Lasse Viren could have achieved the same will never be known but even to mention Farah's name in the same breath as these athletic greats tells how exceptional is his performance.
Farah's achievement must rank with the very greatest in athletics history and must certainly make him the greatest distance runner ever to represent the UK.
Well done, Mo, and more power to your elbow !
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