The Olympic Games 2020 are underway. Many disciplines have already started such as swimming, soccer and gymnastics. However, track and field events will begin this Friday, July 30. There are many athletes that will take the spot in Tokyobut Mo Farah won’t be one of them.
The British long-distance runner is one of the most successful track athletes in the world. He is a four-time Olympic champion, having won gold medals in both the 5000 m and 10,000 m at the 2012 London Games and in Rio 2016. He also has six world titles over 5,000 and 10,000m.
At 38 years old, Farah wanted to win his third consecutive medal in the 10,000 metersevent. However, the athlete, who is also a marathon runner, won’t be competing at Tokyo 2020. Here, find out the reasons for his absence.
Tokyo 2020: Why Mo Farah isn’t running at the Olympics?
Farah failed to achieve the qualifying time to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in an invitational 10,000m that took place at the British Athletics Championships in June. He needed to go under 27 minutes 28 seconds at Manchester Arena but he clocked 27 minutes 47 seconds.
He was on target pace through halfway but then began to drop off the pace on the last laps. However, Farah , who was cheered by the crowd, didn’t show much disappointment. “I’ve been lucky enough to have had the long career I’ve had. I’m very grateful but that’s all I had today.” , he said after the race.
Without Farah in the picture, there will be a new Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters. World record holder Joshua Cheptegei and his Ugandan compatriot Jacob Kiplimo are the favorites to inherit Farah’s crown in the Olympic final.