Cool, windy conditions in Manchester was not cool for four- time Olympics champion, Mo Farah to run the 27:28.00 Olympics qualification needed in 10,000m. Unfortunately the tired Farah could not maintain the necessary pace set by Australian duo David McNeil and Ryan Gregson.
Once Belgian training partner Bashir Abdi peeled off with nine laps to go, Farah steadily started slipping behind the required time as his stride shortened and a grimace showed on his face.
As it is unless miracles happen, Farah will not defend his 10,000m title in Tokyo after this last failed shot at the qualifying time.
The 38-year-old finished in 27 minutes 47 seconds on the first day of the British Championships in Manchester, 19 seconds outside the automatic selection time.
Three weeks ago, he also failed after returning 27:50.54.
“Giving your all is all you can do as a human being and that’s what you have,” he said on the track afterwards.
“I’ve had a wonderful career and I’ve been very lucky to have that. I’m grateful for that today.
“Tonight showed it wasn’t good enough. I don’t know what is next for me. If I can’t compete with the best then why?”
Farah’s previous shot at qualifying for the Olympics, after more than three years concentrating on road running, was hampered by a left ankle niggle.
