Knight runner

Sir Mo Farah, Britain’s most famous athlete, lives right here in Richmond borough. He tells Fiona Adams about local life, fun times with his kids and how he will always love running

Few will have forgotten the glory that was August 4 2012 – aka Super Saturday – at the London Olympic Games. 

British athletes had already won gold on the water and in the velodrome; and when heptathlete Jessica Ennis (as she then was) and long jumper Greg Rutherford hit the jackpot too, the mood in the stadium soared to unprecedented heights. 

Then Mo Farah crossed the 10,000m line in 27:30.42 to win his first Olympic gold. The crowd went wild. Sir Mo Farah, as he was to become, had found a permanent place in British hearts. 

Nowhere more so, perhaps, than in Isleworth and Teddington – home to the two gold post boxes that mark his brace of 2012 medals – and Twickenham, where he studied at St Mary’s University.

Since London, Mo has added two more Olympic golds, at Rio in 2016, triumphed at successive World Championships and competed strongly in countless other events, including the London Marathon. For domination of the podium, no recent British athlete comes close. He has also been knighted, awarded a CBE and – the ultimate proof of public affection – voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. 

How wonderful, then, that Sir Mo is back in the borough, enjoying family life with wife Tania and his four children and training in Bushy Park. Give him a wave if you see him flying past!

  • Q) Are you handy around the house? Do you do the chores?

I’m pretty hands-on when I’m at home, yes. You have to be with four children! Of course, I’m away a lot for training, so I’m really lucky to have such a wonderful and supportive wife in Tania, who works so hard in looking after the family. She’s a great cook too!

  • Q) Are you a hands-on dad?

Oh definitely! I love being a dad and find it so hard when I’m away at training camps. I miss them all so much. When I am home, I really enjoy being involved – changing nappies, doing the school run, taking them to the parks. I spend as much time with them as I can. They’re also my biggest fans, who come and cheer me on as much as possible.

  • Q) Do you have days off? What is your favourite thing to do together as a family?

Well, I usually do some training each day, even in my downtime. But, as I say, when I’m not away racing or in training, I spend as much time as possible with my kids. They are my world! We love chilling out together, whether it’s just mucking around at home or playing and picnicking in the local parks. 

  • Q) You’ve recently returned to the UK from the USA. Are you happy to be back in Teddington?

Yes, we moved back to London at the end of last year. We’d already had a great summer here, when I was competing in the World Championships, and as we’d all really missed London we knew that it was time to come back. It’s important to Tania and I that the kids grow up with our friends and family nearby. Fair to say that we’re loving life back here in our home city.

  • Q) I often see you in Bushy Park and I know that children frequently call out to you – and adults too! Do you get a kick out of that or do you wish that you were more anonymous?

The public’s affection genuinely means so much to me. I can’t often stop when I’m out on a run, but I always try to say ‘hi’. I’m very grateful for the support. When I’m racing here in the UK, the home crowds are incredible. 

  • Q) Do you mind the fact that people always do your trademark Mobot gesture when they see you? Or that they ask you to do this?

Not at all – I love it! As I say, the fans and all their support means so much to me. I’m really grateful for that. 

  • Q) Who gave you the inspiration and encouragement to get into running as a teenager?

My PE teacher at school. He was a real inspiration and support to me. I had come over to the UK aged eight, not speaking a word of English, and I struggled in class as a result. This teacher took me under his wing. He saw my talent and worked hard to focus me in the direction of athletics. I’m not sure what I would be doing now if he hadn’t.

  • Q) How do you stay positive and motivated on the back of losing a race?

I’m not going to lie: I hate losing and that is motivation enough! If I turn up on that start line, I am there to win and I will give it my all. Of course, you’re never going to win every race, and when it doesn’t go so well it’s important to analyse why. But it’s also vital to stay properly focused on your next goal and move on. 

  • Q) How do you feel about other teams’ tactics of putting up several runners to compete against you in an individual race?

It’s the biggest compliment, really. Yes, of course, it’s tough that I’m out there on my own, but that’s what I’ve always known. Going into last summer’s World Championships I was confident in my form, and in the knowledge that I’d done more training than anyone else. It really all comes down to putting in the hard graft so that, when I stand on that start line, I know I’m the guy to beat. That doesn’t add pressure – it gives me confidence.

  • Q) Most memorable moments?

That has to be London 2012 – the roar of the crowd in that stadium was something I will never, ever forget. It was so loud I can’t describe it! The support of the crowd on that first Saturday night meant so much to me and really drove me on. And then, the sheer fact of winning double Olympic gold in my home city – it was absolutely incredible.

  • Q) Do you have a sporting hero?

Muhammad Ali, for sure. He achieved so much against all the odds. A huge inspiration.

  • Q) What are you most proud of outside of athletics?

My kids, without a doubt. I know I keep saying it, but they mean the world to me and I am so proud of them all. 

  • Q) Do you still love running? If so,what does it give you that nothing else can?

Yeah, I will always love running and I will always be involved in sport and encouraging young people to get involved too. I love spurring them on tosee what they can achieve. On a personal level, running provides me with a reason to push myself and achieve the very best I can during my career. When I eventually retire, I’ll stay involved, as I say. But I don’t think you’ll ever see me out for a slow jog – that’s just not me!

  • Q) What do you do to relax? Any hobbies?

You know what I’m going to say: spending time with my family is always my favourite way to relax. Apart from that, however, one of the great things about being back in London is that I can always go and watch my team, Arsenal! I am a huge football fan. When I’m away from home, I’ll relax by watching a match on TV or playing a football game on the computer. 

  • Q) What do you love about our area?

This is my home! I grew up in this part of London: it’s where I was welcomed into Britain as an eight-year-old Somali boy and I quickly felt that I belonged. I met my wife here, I went to school and uni here and now I’ve chosen to bring my family up here too. There’s just so much about this place. For me, it’s the parks and the greenery that stand out – so good for running. And having my friends and family here too means the world. 

For more information on Mo Farah, visit his website at mofarah.com

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