MO FARAH insists he has no regrets about putting his legacy on the line in his last track race at a major championships.
Farah still looked shell-shocked yesterday after finally being dethroned from his astonishing six-year spell of world domination.
His World Championships career ended where it began — with silver.
Back in South Korea in 2011 it was the 10,000 metres, when he was beaten by Ibrahim Jeilan.
This time at London 2017 it was in the 5,000m — when he had to settle for second behind another Ethiopian in Muktar Edris.
But they were only bookends to a glittering Olympic distance double double and six world titles.
And the 34-year-old, who will run Diamond League races in Birmingham and Zurich this month before moving up to the marathon, is certain his record speaks for itself.
He said: “History doesn’t lie. What I’ve achieved over the years is from hard work.
LATEST MO FARAH NEWS
“Putting my balls on the line, year after year and delivering for my country. Through hard work and pain.
“I’m very proud to have achieved what I have. It has really been an incredible journey.
“I hope I can leave a legacy behind for kids and show anything is possible in life if you stick at it.
“Sometimes I get emotional because the track is where I’ve made it.
“I obviously won two Olympic golds at London 2012. London is where it has all happened. It changed my life and my career.”
Farah, who lay on the track at the London Stadium sobbing after losing his title to Edris, added: “No matter what I do in life, it will never be the same again. I will sadly miss that. But it’s time to make a move. I want to be able to close this chapter in my life.”
Farah did have a parting shot for sections of the media, accusing them of trying to “destroy” him over his relationship with controversial coach Alberto Salazar.
Salazar is under investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency. Both he and Farah deny they have ever broken anti-doping rules.
Farah said: “So many times, you guys have been unfair to me.
“Sometimes I find it bizarre how certain people write certain things to suit how they want to sell the story.”
Farah admitted winning gold in the 10,000m final on the London 2017 opening weekend had been the toughest race of his career.
And he does not know what more he could have done to beat Edris to 5,000m glory.
Farah added: “I’ve seen a video of the race and I’m trying to think what I could have changed.
MO'S ROLL OF HONOUR
2011 World Championships 10,000m - Silver
2011 World Championships 5,000m - Gold
2012 Olympics 10,000m - Gold
2012 Olympics 5,000m - Gold
2013 World Championships 10,000m - Gold
2013 World Championships 5,000m - Gold
2015 World Championships 10,000m - Gold
2015 World Championships 5,000m - Gold
2016 Olympics 10,000m - Gold
2016 Olympics 5,000m - Gold
2017 World Championships 10,000m - Gold
2017 World Championships 5,000m - Silver
“I’ve always been on the inside line and no one comes on the last lap. This time a few came, I was going flat out. I couldn’t have gone any faster.
“The better man won on the day. It’s taken them six years to do it though.
“I think I can do something on the road but it will take a few marathons to get it right.
“My road name is Mohamed. I feel like Mo is done. I need to forget about what I’ve achieved.
“I am proud to put my GB vest on and do it for my country. I’m a clean athlete and as long as I understand that, I can sleep well at night, loving my kids, showing them what’s right.”
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