MO FARAH has justified his decision to remain with Alberto Salazar despite a doping probe, claiming he was lied to by his disgraced coach.
Salazar, 61, has been banned from athletics for four years after being found guilty of doping violations by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
Mo Farah has said he was lied to by disgraced coach Alberto SalazarCredit: AFP or licensors
Allegations of his behaviour were first made in a BBC Panorama programme in June 2015, which sparked the USADA investigation.
Farah, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, worked with Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project between 2011 and 2017.
The 36-year-old says he cancelled a track appearance in Birmingham four years ago to fly back to the US for showdown talks with the Cuban-born coach.
The four-time Olympic champion says he was reassured by Salazar there were no concerns – and that’s why he remained under his Stateside tutelage for another two years.
Speaking for the first time since Salazar was suspended, Farah said: “At the time there was no allegation against me.
“There were allegations against Alberto Salazar.
“I want to be clear and I’ll be honest as I have since day one.
“I was out in Birmingham racing. I pulled out of the race in 2015.
“I flew to Portland to get some answers from Alberto.
“I talked to him face to face and he assured me at the time that it was just an allegation, this is not true, there are no allegations against you, Mo.
“He promised me and that hasn’t been true.”
Salazar (centre) was banned for four years for doping violationsCredit: PA:Press Association
Farah says he first became aware of Salazar’s suspension when it broke during the IAAF World Athletics Championship in Doha.
A USADA report claimed Salazar participated in the administration of a prohibited method, attempted to tamper with the doping control process and he “trafficked” testosterone, a banned substance.
It also said the banned Dr Jeffrey Brown was “complicit with Salazar in prescribing excessive and dangerous levels” of prescription medicines to enhance performance. Salazar is appealing the verdict.
Farah said he “was never given anything and I haven’t seen Dr Brown”.
On Friday, it was announced Nike would be closing the Oregon Project.
Asked for his opinion on the closure, Farah said: “I’ve been out of the Oregon Project for two years, basing myself in London to focus on the marathon.
“It’s not my decision to shut down the Oregon Project. It’s Nike’s decision – I’m Mo Farah.”
When it was pointed out he was still defiantly wearing Nike kit, he replied: “Nike pay me a lot of money and this is what I do.”
The Brit, whose family have since relocated to London, is in Chicago preparing to defend his marathon title.
In a tetchy exchange with reporters before the race, Farah said he was a clean athlete and there was an agenda against him.
Farah said: “Why is my name in the headlines? I haven’t done anything wrong. These allegations are about Alberto Salazar not Mo Farah.
“I haven’t failed any tests. I’m happy to be tested anytime and anywhere. My tests can be used as samples and research. There is no more I can do.
“I have no tolerance for anyone who crosses the line. I have said that from day one.
“There is a clear agenda to this. I have seen it many times. I have seen it with Raheem Sterling. I’ve seen it with Lewis Hamilton. I can’t win whatever I do.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
