Mumbai Marathon 2025: Mo Farah Gives One Piece Of Advice To Indian Athletes About Distance Running

Legendary athlete Mo Farah has shared a special piece of advice for Indian athletes aspiring to excel in distance running. Speaking at a press conference for the Tata Mumbai Marathon, Farah praised Indian athletes for their discipline and eagerness to learn.

Farah, who is visiting India for the first time as the ambassador of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, emphasized the importance of learning from successful East African runners.

He also noted that the experience would help Indian athletes gain valuable insights into the techniques and mindset that have made these regions powerhouses in distance running.

He said, “Indian athletes are always disciplined and willing to work hard and learn. In long distance running, East Africa excels, but it's important to understand why. I would advise Indian athletes to go to Ethiopia and Kenya, learn from the athletes there, and always believe in yourself.”

Who is Mo Farah?

The Somalian-born British runner has a decorated career, filled with numerous records and prestigious titles. Farah has won four Olympic and six World Championship gold medals, making history as the first man to retain both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at the Olympics (2012 & 2016) and World Championships (2013 & 2015) — a feat described as the ‘quadruple-double.’

He also had an impressive streak of 10 consecutive global final wins, starting with the 5,000m gold at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu and ending with the 10,000m gold at the 2017 World Championships in London.

When asked about the secret to his success, Farah credited his unwavering dedication and belief in himself. “I have always done everything right,” he explained. “Along my career, when things went wrong or right, I understood what happened, how to fix the small things, the big things, and manage injuries.”

Reflecting on his first Olympic appearance in 2008, Farah recalled the disappointment of not winning a medal. He admitted that the pressure got to him, and he may have overtrained. “When it came to the championship, I was flat and went home devastated, thinking about what I could have done differently.

The honest thing I realized was that I had overtrained. It's important to listen to your body,” Farah shared. “From that experience, I learned how to progress, keep winning, and figure out how to avoid mistakes in future races.”

Farah’s journey to greatness is all the more inspiring considering his humble beginnings. “It’s amazing,” he said. “As a young boy, I was trafficked to the UK, I never had a father or mother, and now I’ve become this man.

Every child from where I come from is looking for a big opportunity. So, I say to you all keep believing in yourself and keep working hard. When you get the chance, take it with both hands.”