Tokyo Olympics: Defending champion Mo Farah to miss out on Olympics, failed to qualify

Defending champion Mo Farah will miss the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after failing to qualify in 10,000-meter. The four-time Olympic champion missed the mark at an invitational 10,000 at the British athletics championships in Manchester.

Mo Farah needed to clock 27 minutes, 28 seconds or less to book a place for the Tokyo Olympics. However, he clocked in at 27 minutes, 47.04 seconds. As a result, will not be able to defend his 10,000 title from 2012 and 2016.

“It’s a tough one,” he replied. “I’ve had an amazing career, thinking about it tonight it’s a bit shocking and I don’t really know what to say. I’m lucky enough to have so many medals, I’m one of these athletes who, if you cant compete with the best, why bother? Maybe it’s time to spend time with my kids.”

“You go out there and give it all and that’s all you have,” he said. “It’s quite windy. I tried to push and push and I ran my lungs out.

“I’ve had a wonderful career. I’m very grateful. That’s all I had today. It’s a tough one. I’ve always said if I can’t compete with the best, I’m not going to be in a final. Tonight wasn’t good enough.”

The invitational race was hastily arranged after Mo Farah failed to qualify when the 10,000 trials took place in Birmingham this month.

For Mo, it was the first time in a decade that he lost a 10,000 race. He has paid special focus on marathon since 2017.

Mo Farah was also a double Olympic champion in the 5,000. World record holder Joshua Cheptegei and his Ugandan compatriot Jacob Kiplimo, the event’s present, and future, will instead be gunning for Farah’s crown in the Olympic final on Friday 30 July.