MO FARAH is desperate not to finish his career on a failure and plans to run at least once more in GB colours.
In an interview with SunSport, Britain’s four-time Olympic gold medallist insists he has at least one more international appearance in his legs.
Though he turns 39 next March, Farah fancies a crack at one of the three major events crunched into next summer’s programme.
In the space of 6-7 weeks, there are the Oregon World Championships, Birmingham Commonwealths and Munich Europeans.
Once his left ankle heals properly – he says he is pain-free now – then Farah will decide in January if he requires to go abroad for warm-weather training.
The last time he was seen in action was in Manchester in June at the Team GB trials where he failed to make the qualifying standard for the Tokyo Olympics.
Asked about his future plans, Farah said: “I’m not done yet. As long as my body allows me.
“The desire is still there, the hunger is still there. At the same time, it’s what my body can do.
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“Obviously, I’m 38. That’s not going to lie. I’m getting on a bit but the belief is still there. I’ll see what I can do.
“The most important thing is to take care of this injury, make sure I am right, and get back to what I can do.
“You will see me in terms of GB. I’ve done so well for my country throughout so many years. But I won’t just put on the GB vest. You have to earn it.”
Though he has been cut from the UK Athletics funding stream, Farah would be welcomed back into the international fold according to head coach Christian Malcolm.
Attempting to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024 is off the table as Farah believes at the age of 41 he would not be competitive.
Another London Marathon is a strong possibility and he could sign off with a farewell 26.2-mile run for the fans in the spring of 2023 – just like Paula Radcliffe did round the streets of London in 2015.
Farah, speaking at the launch of the Huawei Watch GT 3, said: “Listen, another marathon would be nice. Maybe a half marathon somewhere or 10km. It depends.
“I have to be realistic and be honest. Outdoors. Rather than indoors or track.
“The world champs in Oregon? Listen, I couldn’t even qualify for Tokyo – so that’s the first step you know. You cannot just say I’m going to the world champs.
“The first step is get yourself back in there, feel comfortable where you are at.
“You go there not just to make the team but to be able to be in a shout with the rest. Over the years, I took it for granted.”
Farah, who has his track-and-field coaching licence, says in the future he wants to give back his knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.
And though he couldn’t travel to Japan, he was left inspired watching 19-year-old Keely Hodgkinson win 800m silver on her Olympic debut this summer.
Farah added: “If Tokyo had happened the way I wanted it to happen that could have been it. But because it didn’t happen, it’s different.
“From my experience that I have had, I should be able to give back so much more.
“My final races will be emotional but you have to embrace it. Everything must come to an end at some point.”
Mo Farah was speaking at the launch of the HUAWEI Watch GT 3 fitness smartwatch, which has personalised health and fitness features. It launches in the UK on November 10 but can be pre-ordered now.
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Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
