Shropshire Star

Sir Mo Farah hits back at critics ‘trying to destroy’ his legacy

The four-time Olympic champion’s relationship with controversial coach Alberto Salazar continues to be scrutinised.

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Sir Mo Farah has criticised the degree of attention given to his relationship with controversial coach Alberto Salazar and claims some critics are “trying to destroy” his legacy.

The four-time Olympic champion hit out having been asked about Salazar after winning 5000 metres silver at the World Championships in London on Saturday.

Salazar is being investigated by the US Anti-Doping Agency and did not attend the World Championships.

Farah joined Salazar’s Nike Oregon Project in 2011 and the pair have enjoyed huge success together, with the British star winning four Olympic gold medals and six world titles – including his 10,000m crown last week.

Their success has not come without scrutiny and Farah – who will retire from the track at the end of the month to focus on road racing – feels it is unfair.

He said: “It’s like a broken record, repeating myself, if I’ve crossed the line, if Alberto’s crossed the line…why bring it up year after year, making it into headlines? I’ve achieved what I have achieved – you’re trying to destroy it.

“You have to educate the right people to say what’s fair. So many times, you guys have been unfair to me. I know that. But say it how it is.

“History doesn’t lie. What I achieved over the years, people are proud of me. You can write what you like. The fact is I’ve achieved what I have from hard work. Putting my balls on the line, year after year and delivering for my country.

“There’s nothing else to be said. History doesn’t lie. I’ve achieved what I have through hard work and dedication, year after year. Sometimes I find it bizarre how certain people write certain things to suit how they want to sell the story.”

Farah has worked with Salazar since 2011
Farah has worked with Salazar since 2011 (PA)

Farah also dismissed any significance over Salazar’s absence and is still unsure over if the pair will continue together when he switches to the road.

He said: “I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’ve a few races left, Then I’ll take a nice break. And see how it goes.

“How many races has he been to this year for me or last year? He hasn’t been to any races. For the last three or four years I have been pretty much by myself and it didn’t make much difference really – I knew what I needed to do.”

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