Christine Ohuruogu refuses to rest on laurels

'People think that, once you have won a medal, the world stops. It doesnt'
Christine Ohuruogu. Picture: PA — 'People think that, once you have won a medal, the world stops. It doesnt' Christine Ohuruogu. Picture: PA

The 29-year-old produced yet another stunning finish to claim gold ahead of Amantle Montsho, in the process providing British sport with another piece of priceless television footage that will be screened repeatedly for years to come.

However, Ohuruogu, who insists she never watches her races back, is refusing to reflect upon her career achievements until she has finally hung up her  running shoes.

She said: “I think that would be the time to look back on things. I remember when I won [Olympic gold] in ’08, it was great, but you don’t really see it because you are still competing.

“People think that, once you have won a medal, the world stops. It doesn’t. You’ve still got things to do.

“I’m not just going to sit in my house lounging until the end of time. I’ve got stuff I need to do.”

In the short term, that means competing in the Great North City Games in Gateshead this weekend, and the honour of starting Sunday’s Great North Run along with Ashes winning-cricketer Graeme Swann.

But, thereafter, the next summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2016 Olympics in Rio will be major focuses.

Ohuruogu said: “Because of London, I’m desperate to come back. People really understood what sport really is from last year. Fans were able to actually touch and see our story. You didn’t just see an athlete running, you saw somebody you knew and came to understand.

“The supporters came to see us as real people with real stories and real lives, and I think we need to continue that.

“It’s not just 2012, it’s 2013, 2014 and 2015. We have to keep it going for the complete Olympic cycle because it’s not just us, it’s the youth and the athletes coming through.

Asked specifically about Rio and the opportunity to regain her Olympic title, Ohuruogu said: “I think that’s realistic.

“I think I’m coming to terms with getting older, but at the same time I’m going to have some time off and to iron out the next couple of years.”

Ohuruogu’s Moscow victory, which saw her overhaul Montsho by a hair’s breadth on the line, was the stuff of which sporting legends are made.

However, she admits she would rather not have to do it that way. She said: “To be honest, I know people get more excited about it than I do. I know it sounds strange, but it’s in my head, so that’s fine.

“I don’t watch the races again. Me and my coach have spoken about it and then it’s done, we don’t go over it and go over it.

“It’s weird. That’s how we have always been – we win a medal, where’s the next one? What are we going to do next?”

Ohuruogu’s achievements have made her one of the biggest names in British athletics, but modesty prevents her from regarding herself in the same breath as another double world champion, Mo Farah.

She said: “I don’t see that. I’m still in my bubble here.

“Mo is one person I think is supreme – and I don’t know if that’s a good enough word for him.”