Mo Farah hailed as ‘complete athlete’ after Glasgow win

Published on Monday 30 January 2012 02:02

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee believes Mo Farah can be part of a golden generation at this summer’s Olympic Games after a brilliant run at the Aviva International Match in Glasgow on Saturday.

The world 5,000 metres champion, dropping down in distance to run his first 1,500m for two years, demonstrated that he is well-equipped to deal with any obstacle which 2012 might put in his way.

Challenged by Kenya’s impressive Augustin Choge, Farah covered the final lap at the Kelvin Hall in 27.76 seconds en route to setting a new indoor personal best of 3:39.03 and obliterating a 22-year-old stadium record at a venue which was hosting its last major athletics meeting.

The Londoner’s victory capped Team GB’s win in the international team event, earning a total of 60 points, seven ahead of both Russia and the USA. If van Commenee’s stated ambition of eight medals, including one gold, in London is to be met, then Farah must be among his surest bets.

“He’s the world champion,” the Dutchman said. “There are not any weaknesses. I think that last year in the 10k he was slightly taken by surprise but he’s warned now. He’s the complete athlete.”

After rallying from a disappointing start that saw Andy Turner, hindered by an Achilles problem, finish last in the 60m hurdles and fellow world medallist Hannah England come only second in the 1,500m, Britain profited from a series of fine showings from some unheralded prospects who might yet come good.

Danny Talbot, 20, who had spent the previous week sitting university exams, won the 200m ahead of the veteran Kim Collins while Welsh prospect Joe Thomas was a convincing victor in the 800m as he set a new personal best of 1:47.35 to finish two seconds clear of Germany’s Soren Ludolph.

“I’ve taken on a different approach for winter, trying to get stronger rather than faster,” he revealed. “My intention was to qualify for the world indoors and I actually managed to do that in my first race out so that took the pressure off me. I’m just enjoying not having to chase times right now and I’m having a great season so far.”

Thomas was among seven British winners in what was the GB team’s sole collective appearance on home soil before the Olympics. Mark Lewis-Francis, who had given a pep talk to the squad on the morning of the international, delivered on his own promise to deliver maximum points in the 60 metres.

While Jeanette Kwakye was even more dominant in the women’s 60m, using a perfect start to win by two metres in 7.26 seconds. It was a repeat of her victory here in 2008 which set up her charge to a world indoor silver medal and a spot in the Olympic final in Beijing. If it was an omen, she was happy to accept.

“I’ll take that,” declared the 28-year-old. “I’m feeling confident in my training and I’m confident in my coach, but I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Margaret Adeoye in the 200m and Yamile Aldama in the triple jump were the other home victors, while Claire Gibson, the only Scottish athlete competing, came fifth in the 800m on her GB debut. Still, acknowledged van Commenee, there were positive portents available at the outset of Olympic year.

“We have a good group of athletes at the moment,” he said. “We have the best team to present the nation well at the Games. Mo is number one at the moment but there are a few who can take over.”

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