Farah completes double, joins greats

RIO DE Janeiro: Briton Mo Farah, pictured, joined the ranks of the all-time distance greats on Saturday by becoming just the second man to retain both Olympic track long distance titles after adding a brilliant 5,000m gold to his 10,000 at the Rio Games.
On a sparkling final night of athletics, Matthew Centrowitz won a shock 1500m gold for the United States, their first in the event since 1908.
The nation also won both 4x400m relays to stretch their winning margin in the track and field medal count.
Caster Semenya cruised to victory in the women’s 800m, Germany’s Thomas Roehler won the javelin and 37-year-old high jumper Ruth Beitia won Spain’s first Olympic gold in women’s athletics.
The Rio athletics programme closes with the men’s marathon today.
With Usain Bolt finally moving aside after his triple-triple heroics had dominated the first nine days of action, Farah took centre stage for his double-double to emulate Finland’s Lasse Viren (1972 and 1976).
Having done the double twice at the world championships, Farah proved he is up there with the best endurance performers of all time.
He never looked like being beaten yesterday, winning gold with a consummate display of control and finishing power.
“To do it again is incredible,” said Farah. “I have that drive, it’s just me. “I can’t quite believe it. I wished for just one medal as a junior. It has been a long journey but if you dream of something, have ambitions and are willing to work hard then you can get your dreams.” – Reuters