Sir Mohamed Farah is a man who understands the importance of sheer persistence in the face of a challenge. The legendary athlete has spent his life breaking records on the track and conquering major marathons across the globe. However, even a sportsman of his stature admits that everyone eventually faces a moment where their energy completely vanishes. During a recent conversation, the 43-year-old explained that reaching this limit feels "like the wheels come off." Having a solid circle of people around you can often provide the spark you need to keep moving forward. Sir Mo believes that offering a kind word to those struggling can change the entire course of their journey.
Encouragement Makes a Difference
"Just encourage one another. We've all been there and done it, even myself. Whether it's 5k or the marathon, there's certain moments in my career where perhaps, if I could talk about or have a little bit more help, that probably made me go a little bit further. I know the difference it makes," Farah stated. He recently collaborated with Buxton Natural Mineral Water and the charity Mind to support participants during the recent London Marathon. This partnership focused on the vital link between physical activity, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy mind.
"Towards the end, where they are telling themselves, 'I can't do it. I'm going to quit,' all that stuff goes through your mind." These mental blocks are not reserved solely for those wearing running gear or training for professional races. Sir Mo points out that every person encounters their own version of a wall in daily life. "Everybody has their walls. It's all individual." Farah suggests that when doubts begin to surface, the best solution is to be open with your friends and relatives.
Overcoming a Difficult Past
The runner has previously shared the difficult details of his youth, including the reality that he was brought to the UK illegally. Despite such a harrowing start, he rose to become a knighted national treasure with multiple Olympic gold medals. While his professional achievements were incredibly high, he admits that the period following a major victory can be quite a struggle. "You've been working for this position, you've done it, and you sit in it for a little bit, and it's a big dip. London 2012, that was the moment for me. It was everything, and to win in front of your home crowd in London, particularly. And you do it, and you're like, 'Wow'. Then all that's over. Now, the crowd's gone. Everyone's gone. It's just you, and you've got to put in similar work to what you've done to retain [what you've achieved]. In that moment, there is that down, but you've got to keep going."
Life After Retirement
Since stepping away from professional competition in September 2023, he has relocated to Doha with his wife and four children. He says that while his wife supported his career for years, he is now learning the complexities of managing a busy household. "I was lucky enough to have an amazing wife who supported me throughout my career so I could continue to do what I do best. But now, I've been involved full on [at home]. It's not easy," he says with a laugh. "Someone said to me, 'Would you rather run or look after the kids?' And for me, running is easier. I'd rather do a 15, 16, 17 mile run, because it involves a different mind. Being engaged differently, being present, being able to multitask; I'm not sure I'm good at multi-tasking. I'm just good at running around in circles."
Ageing and Attitude
As the years pass, Farah maintains a positive outlook on the natural process of ageing. He argues that your attitude determines your age far more than the date on your birth certificate does. "The reality is, the older you get, the harder it is. That's all. The body slows down. So if you did a [workout] session today, tomorrow you're going to be a bit tired. And when you're younger, you could do a session and come back and bounce. You don't have that, but as long as you understand it, it's fine."
Ultimately, his success comes down to a simple belief that there is always a little more gas left in the tank. This inner confidence is what allowed him to reach the finish line before anyone else throughout his career. "Your mind will tell you, 'I can't do it,' but if you believe you've always got more than what you have, you can go that extra mile. You can push through."
