Latest news with #MoFarah


The Independent
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Sir Mo Farah reveals his simple secret to success
Sir Mo Farah has shared the simple secret to his remarkable success: aiming for small goals puts you on track to achieve giant ones. The double-double Olympic gold medallist explains that while in his racing days he always kept his eye on the ultimate prize of Olympic and World Championship titles, he focused first on the smaller goals that would eventually build up to his top-level achievements. Farah, who won the 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic gold medals in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, says: 'I've motivated myself by being aware of what I want to achieve, setting myself a goal, and once I've achieved that goal, then the next goal, and keep on moving, but doing it as little and as often as I can. 'I've had little goals – for example, when I was younger it was being able to run for my club, then my county, and then you go can I run for England? And then Great Britain – that was always a target.' But was it tough to stay motivated after his remarkable success at London 2012? 'Even after 2012 and everything else, I had to then set myself another new challenge – it wasn't about going 'Yeah, I did something incredible', it was more like 'Can I retain my title?' 'It's important for all of us to have goals, because if we don't have something to aim for, it's hard.' Farah retired from track racing in 2017 (racing briefly again in 2021) to concentrate on marathon running – he won the Great North Run a record sixth consecutive times between 2014 and 2019 – before retiring from competitive running in 2023. But although now, at the age of 42, he's not running so much – instead of the 120 miles a week he was running at the peak of his athletic career, he trains two or three times a week, combining running with the gym, or playing padel and football – he insists: 'For me, it's important to look after my body, so I try and eat well and I stay active.' And he still has goals, although they now centre on his beloved family. He and his wife Tania Nell have twin daughters Aisha and Amani, aged 12, and a son, Hussein, aged nine, and Farah is stepfather to Nell's daughter Rhianna, nearly 20. 'My kids and my family are everything to me,' he declares. 'I try every day to run with my kids, train with them, spend time with them, pick them up, take them to school. The biggest part for me is just making sure my kids are healthy and live a good life, as well as trying to teach them to enjoy things.' Farah is asked a lot whether any of his kids look likely to follow in his racing footsteps, and although he says one of them is enjoying running more than the others, he stresses: 'Honestly, I don't want to push my kids – I want them to have a good, healthy lifestyle, and be fit and strong, so I just try and support them, whatever they want to do. 'One of them really is enjoying running more than the others, but I just try and support and be the parent, rather than the parent who won four Olympic medals and is pushing his kids to extremes. It's not about that. It's about them being kids and enjoying it, but also showing them what's possible.' As well as showing his children what's possible, Farah is on a mission to show the nation too, through the new Weetabix all-stars campaign, in which he's teamed up with Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, England women's football captain Leah Williamson, and television presenter and Olympic wheelchair basketball medallist Ade Adepitan, to motivate people to achieve their goals. 'It's just showing people that by being able to change just a little bit, how much impact that can have throughout a whole day,' explains Farah. 'If you look after your body, if you eat right – a big part of it is being able to fuel well – then you can achieve all these things, like myself. I didn't achieve the career I've had overnight, it took me years as a young boy, before then becoming a World champion and an Olympic champion. You have to set yourself a goal and a target. 'If we look after ourselves, we can achieve more. The next goal for me is I would love to be able to give back to the nation, to the kids, and show what's possible through hard work, dedication, looking after your body and looking after yourself.' Of course there's no better example of what hard work and dedication can achieve than Farah himself – and his story became even more remarkable in 2022 when he revealed in a BBC documentary that he was brought to the UK illegally at the age of nine, forced to work as a domestic servant, and given the name Mohamed Farah instead of his real name Hussein Abdi Kahin. He says: 'Obviously, it wasn't easy for me to come forward and talk about my story, because you're known as a runner and this guy who's won four Olympic medals. But we all have stories, and that was my story, and I'm so grateful for the support I got, and that people can often talk about it now – I think this issue is something that was happening, but there was nowhere to talk about it. 'This is about who I am. What motivated me to talk about it was seeing my kids and just being honest to them – looking them in the eye and saying when I was their age I went through this, and I've become this guy and I've done so much for my country and I was so proud to achieve all these great things, but that was my story. 'Really, the goal is to show people we can overcome so many things.' Given that he's been through so much and had such a phenomenal athletic career, does this softly-spoken, humble man see himself as strong? 'I'd probably say I am strong,' he concludes, 'but not in all areas. It's just learning about myself. Honestly, for me, running was a way of being free, a way of being out of it, and it's something that I could control. And that's probably why I accomplished so much in my career, because that was my happy place, that's the place I enjoyed most. 'We all just need a place to be ourself and find something that we're passionate about.'


Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Sir Mo Farah slashes price of £6million Surrey mansion by seven-figure sum in the hopes of making a speedy sale
Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah has stepped up the pace in his bid to sell his eight bedroom mansion - by knocking a whopping £1 million off the asking price. The four-time gold medallist took the dramatic step after apparently growing weary of the slow pace of his plans to sell the magnificent property which was listed at £6 million last October. Sir Mo, 42, had hoped to run away with a tidy profit after buying the grand house six years ago for £4million. But after no buyers came forward after eight months he is now hoping to get the sale back on track by dropping the price by around 20 per cent. Estate agents describe the striking three-storey property, which is set on an exclusive private estate in Surrey, as a 'magnificent, balanced family home'. They highlight a string of features that would make it perfect for potential sporting stars of the future. The 7,829 sq ft house has an outdoor swimming pool and an area 'prepared and electrically wired to be used as an outdoor gym'. The property backs onto a private championship-standard golf course which is part of the 900 acre estate that also has a separate private tennis and squash club. The property (pictured) backs onto a private championship-standard golf course which is part of the 900 acre estate that also has a separate private tennis and squash club Residents can enjoy a range of sports on the nearby River Thames including kayaking, rowing, sailing and wild water swimming while the area has 'many clubs' for children and adults to enjoy rugby, football and horse riding as well as dance and creative arts. Glossy photographs also show Sir Mo turned a 'garden room' into an entertainment space complete with pool table - as well as a running machine. The ground floor of the property, which is 'finished to excellent standards' with modern fittings, has 'an impressive reception hall with a beautiful sweeping staircase' along with a series of rooms complete with 'bespoke furniture'. They include a study and an 'elegant drawing room, with two grand pillars' which leads to the dining room - with both having double doors opening out to the rear gardens. The upmarket estate agents say to prospective buyers: 'The true heart of this home is the open plan kitchen/breakfast room which leads to the double height garden room with floor to ceiling windows flooding the rooms with light. 'This is a fabulous space to entertain family and friends. Leading off the kitchen/breakfast room is the family room.' The sweeping staircase leads to 'the first floor's 'impressive main bedroom suite with a bespoke fitted dressing room and balcony overlooking the rear garden' while there are three further bedroom suites on this floor, two with walk-in wardrobes. The second floor comprises an additional bedroom suite, further bedroom, media room, separate storage room and a family bathroom - one of seven in the property. The mansion also has a second entrance hall where the utility and separate changing room are situated along with stairs that lead up to a one bedroom annex which is 'ideal as staff accommodation'. The house has an acre of land which includes 'beautifully landscaped gardens' as well as a wooded area with a stream and a bridge. An old fashioned red telephone box also stands as a quirky garden feature. To ensure privacy and safety the gated estate is controlled 24 hours a day by private security guards while access is restricted at all times. However, shortly after putting the property up for sale, Sir Mo was forced to spring into action to chase down two thieves who breached security and tried to steal his mobile phone while he was out jogging with wife Tania on the estate. Sir Mo - who won 10,000 and 5,000 metre gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012 and in Rio four years later - had left the device by the roadside before spotting the men in a white van pulling up alongside. One of the thieves grabbed the phone before Sir Mo sprinted to head them off. Proving his legendary speed is still unmatched, Sir Mo gave chase along the tree-lined roads as his wife looked on and soon caught up with the hapless thieves. They handed the phone back before fleeing the scene. Sir Mo was said to be furious that the suspects were able to get past the extensive security detail sparking an investigation into what went wrong. The exclusive home is a far cry from the modest council house in Hounslow, west London where Sir Mo lived as a child after he was trafficked to the UK from Somalia and forced to work as a domestic servant. His father was killed in civil violence when he was just four. He was placed with another Somali family after confiding in a PE teacher who helped him make strides in the world of athletics and apply for British citizenship which was granted in July 2000. The father-of-three, who also has a stepdaughter, went on to become one of the UK's greatest ever athletes.


BBC News
25-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Sir Mo Farah collects honorary Oxford degree
Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has collected an honorary degree from the University of Oxford. BBC journalist Clive Myrie and broadcaster Lord Melvyn Bragg were among the other recipients to attend the university's centuries-old Encaenia part of the service, a procession made up of university dignitaries and honorary degree recipients walked through the city in full academic ceremony also marked the first to be overseen by former Conservative leader Lord Hague, who was inaugurated as the university's 160th chancellor earlier this year. Following the procession, the recipients signed their names in the Honorary Degrees Book at the Divinity School, before moving to the Sheldonian Theatre - where the Encaenia ceremony has been held in some form since university's vice-chancellor, Prof Irene Tracey, said the service was a "highlight of Oxford's academic year, offering us an opportunity to celebrate exceptional individuals whose achievements have shaped disciplines, made history and enriched society"."Today, we honour eight people whose work has inspired, informed and transformed the world around us," she said."This year's distinguished honorands come from a remarkable array of fields, and through their vision, creativity and dedication, they have made lasting contributions." Other recipients of the honorary degrees included Ukrainian history expert Prof Serhii Plokhii, Irish writer Prof Colm Tóibín and German biophysicist Prof Erwin and entrepreneur Prof Robert S Langer and historian Prof Timothy Snyder, both from the US, were also honoured during the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, had also been due to receive an honorary degree - but was unable to attend Wednesday's ceremony. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.


Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing line up rumours ahead of 2025 launch
Strictly Come Dancing line up rumours ahead of 2025 launch Who will be dressing up in their sequins in the hopes of winning the prestigious glitter ball? Claudia and Tess will be back to host the series, but who will be competing? (Image: 2018 Getty Images ) Excitement is already building for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. We are months away from their autumn launch, but fans of the show cannot wait to get their foxtrot fix. The last season was the BBC's biggest Unscripted series in 2024 with the main show averaging 8.8m viewers across the series with 10.1m tuning into the final. Last year, we saw comedian Chris McCausland take home the glitter ball alongside his dancing partner Diane Buswell. So, who is set to compete in this year's Strictly? According to these are the celebrities with the highest odds of taking part in this year's competition. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Those rumoured to take place range from footballers to reality TV stars, but will they be donning sequins or will they be on the bench. Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, is now 8/13 favourite to take on change from ball games to ballroom. Sir Mo Farah was named the greatest British sportsperson of this century (Image:) Article continues below Other rumoured stars include Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah, Apprentice star Tom Skinner, Gladiator star Nitro, the Queen consort's son Tom Parker Bowles and Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan. Reality television stars are always a firm favourite on Strictly, and this year is no different as Made in Chelsea's Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo is rumoured to be appearing as well as Danny Dyer's daughter and Love Island star Dani Dyer. The BBC are yet to announce exactly when the show will be back on air, however fans can look forward to Strictly Come Dancing waltzing it's way back onto screens this autumn. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images ) They have already announced which professional dancers we can expect to see later this year as we can look forward to another series of dancing joy. They have revealed that returning this year will be Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Gorka Márquez, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystał, Kai Widdrington, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola and last year's winner Dianne Buswell. There will also be two brand new professional dancers joining the team, who will be revealed closer to the return of the show. Sarah James, BBC Studios Executive Producer says: "The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025." Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: 'The Strictly Professional Dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here's to another fab-u-lous series!' Article continues below


Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Sir Mo Farah runs into trouble at airport security after his trophy sets off alarms
Witnesses said the delay left the 42-year-old four-time Olympic champ racing to make his flight MO PROBLEMS Sir Mo Farah runs into trouble at airport security after his trophy sets off alarms Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OLYMPIC great Sir Mo Farah ran into trouble at airport security — when a trophy he had just received set off alarms. The distance runner had been presented with an honorary Clio Sports Award at Cannes in the South of France. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sir Mo Farah ran into trouble at airport security — when a trophy he had just received set off alarms Credit: Supplied 3 Mo had been presented with an honorary Clio Sports Award at Cannes in the South of France Credit: instagram/sirmofarah But the tall golden figure with upstretched arms had to be separately scanned from the rest of his hand luggage at Nice airport. Witnesses said the delay left the 42-year-old four-time Olympic champ racing to make his flight. But one added: 'He remained in good spirits, as always. "It held him up for about five minutes before he was allowed through following the extra checks. 'It looked like he was flying solo. "The airport was packed with people from the event and he had a few congratulating him on his award.' Sir Mo gave a speech after collecting the prize this week at the Sport Beach event. He also hosted a Run Club where fans could keep pace with one of Team GB's greatest athletes on Tuesday morning. It followed his performance in Soccer Aid at the weekend when England lost 5-4 to the World XI. Sir Mo Farah 'hounded for money' by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action