British long-distance runner Mo Farah has pulled out of the London Marathon due to injury, which raised questions about whether the four-time Olympic champion’s competitive career is over.
On Wednesday evening, Farah broke the news that he had recently experienced tightness in his right hip and was not fit to compete in the London Marathon 2022. Farah’s withdrawal left organizers understandably reeling because it’s the sixth major withdrawal from the race.
Farah said I have been training hard over the past few months, and I would get myself back into good shape, and I was feeling pretty optimistic about being able to put in a good performance.
Moreover, he said, However, over the past ten days, I have been feeling tightness and pain in my right hip, and I have had physio and treatment and done everything I can to be on the start line, but it has not improved enough to compete on Sunday’s race.
Farah has raced just seven times since October 2019, and his most recent run was this month’s 13.1-mile Big Half, which he won.
Farah said It’s disappointing to have to withdraw after a good last few months and after my win at the Big Half, and because I love racing in front of my home crowd in London, who always gives all of us athletes such amazing support.
Moreover, Farah said, I wish everyone taking part on Sunday a good run, and I hope to be back out there with you in April 2023.
Farah was going to race with Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, but after his withdrawal, it became a huge blow for organizers.
Hugh Brasher, the London Marathon event director, said we are so sorry that Sir Mo is not fit to run on Sunday, and we wish him a very speedy recovery and hope to see him running next year’s marathon in London.
Some other athletes who have pulled out are Brigid Kosgei, Eilish McColgan, Tamirat Tola, Vincent Kipchumba, and Mosinet Geremew.
