Radcliffe text inspires Farah

Published on Friday 2 March 2007 00:07

BRITAIN'S Mo Farah is a medal favourite for the 3,000 metres at this weekend's European indoor championships in Birmingham thanks to a little help from marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe.

Radcliffe sent Farah a text message after he finished second in the 5,000m at last year's outdoor European championships and the 23-year-old has kept it for inspiration.

"I had a text from Paula Radcliffe - and that was a big thing for me - saying 'well done that was brave'. I've still got it. It really motivated me, to go out there, believe in myself.

"One thing she said was 'believe in yourself, you know you've worked really hard', and for someone like that to tell you - it's a big thing."

Farah, who was born in Somalia but left the war-torn country as a refugee when he was nine years old, won the European junior 5,000 metres title in 2001 although he initially found the move up to senior level tough. He spent 18 months living in a house in London with a group of Kenyan athletes, which transformed his attitude to the sport.

"That year and a half, I learnt so much," Farah said. "They're dedicated. They eat right, get rest, stay at home watching dvds and running videos. It sounds a bit boring, but as an athlete you have to live like that. I've put in a lot of hard work and it's paying off. It's amazing how happy and comfortable I feel doing what I'm doing. I'm enjoying it."