Mo Farah confident about upcoming IAAF World Championships

Mo Farah, gold-medalist in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the 2012 London Olympics, knows that he’ll have a target on his back during the upcoming 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow. As one of only six runners to win both the 5,000 and 10,000 since the end of World War II, Farah has become one of track and field’s most recognizable and likable stars. However, that increased profile coincides with increased pressure; everyone wants to take down the king.

Farah spoke about the upcoming world championships with Reuters:

"The hardest is being at the top because when you are at the top everybody wants to knock you down. So many guys want to get you. They are going to have to come up with something, it’s exciting, they are testing me out. The 10k is more exciting than the 5k… I have to keep my feet on the ground."

(Keeping your feet on the ground is a great running strategy, FYI.)

Despite the pressure, Farah says he’s confident about his chances to win multiple events in Moscow, crediting his coach, the legendary Alberto Salazar, and his teammates for aiding him in his success:

"I’ve learned to win races and I’ve learned to be confident when you approach a race. I’m a lot more confident than I was years ago, and that comes from learning from every race. Obviously Alberto is a great coach… and the whole team that supports me. Without the team I don’t think I could have achieved what I have achieved."

The IAAF World Championships begins August 10th.

[Source: Reuters]