Mo Farah believes he is capable of medalling at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after revealing he wants to don the British vest once again to run the marathon.
The four-time Olympic champion has emphatically stated his intention to represent his country again in Tokyo ahead of competing in his third career marathon in Chicago this weekend.
Britain’s most successful track athlete completed the 5,000m and 10,000m double at London 2012 and Rio 2016 before turning his attention to full-time road racing last year.
But Farah has now confirmed he plans on adding to his glittering medal collection by competing in the marathon at the 2019 World Championships and the 2020 Olympics.
“I am definitely going,” said the 35-year-old, who is also a six-time world champion on the track. “As long as my body can hold up, I am definitely going to Tokyo.
“I know from my training that I am definitely capable of getting a medal. I don’t know what the colour is going to be, but I want to continue through 2020.
“A medal would definitely rank up there in terms of being a track runner and being able to do something in the marathon. In my mind, it’s something I’ve always thought I could do.”
Farah came eighth in the London Marathon in 2014 before finishing third in this year’s race, setting a new personal best and British record of 2hr 6mins 21secs in the process.
He will take on his former training partner Galen Rupp when he pounds the streets of Chicago on Sunday, where he hopes to further establish himself in the upper echelons of marathon running.
“I am new to the marathon,” he said. “It is only my third marathon and I’m still learning.
“As you know from my track career, it took me ten years to mix it with the guys and win races. It is the same with the marathon.
“This race is exciting, I am in great shape, so we will see what happens. Even if it is raining, it is still on. The rain isn’t a problem, but the wind could be. I am confident in my training.
“I am in decent shape and I believe that with the right race, the European record (which is currently 2:05.48) is definitely in with a shout.
“A personal best and a win would be great, and the European record if the weather holds up.” Sportsbeat 2018