Rebecca Astill Commissioning Editor

Sir Mo Farah became the first British man to win Olympic 10,000m gold at the London 2012 Games, before becoming double Olympic champion a week later with success in the 5,000m. He then successfully defended both titles four years later in Rio.

It was only in 2022 that he revealed he was born with the name Hussein Abdi Kahin, and was trafficked to the UK age nine, having been told he was joining relatives. Instead, he was forced into domestic servitude for a family of strangers – until he confided in his PE teacher, Alan Watkinson.

Along with informing social services, who organised for Farah to be placed with another family, and applying for his British citizenship, Watkinson was instrumental in helping Farah pursue his talent for running. Following an incredible career, Farah retired from competitive running in September 2023. Much of Farah’s time now is spent with his family, getting children into sport or working with charities, including Mind and Save the Children UK.

I caught up with him for our Readers Ask series, where industry specialists answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended Reader Panel.

At what age did you get into running and why?

Justin, North West

I was probably age 12 when I got into running, and it was through my PE teacher who discovered me, pointed me to the local running track and said that I should join the local running club. From there, I’ve never looked back.

Which of your race wins meant the most to you and why?

Liam, London

It has to be London 2012. To become Olympic champion, on Super Saturday, in front of your home crowd where you grew up – that was amazing.

Do you get enjoyment from running when you’re not racing or training?

David, Yorkshire

I get enjoyment from racing. That’s the thing that keeps me going and makes sure I’m preparing in training. Obviously the race part is small, but the training is the hardest thing and often the confidence, and the belief, comes from the training that you do. 

How did you change your training regime to move from 5k and 10k track racing to marathon racing?

Mark, London

I changed my training program to each event that I was doing. So for example, if I was doing 5,000m, I would train for the 5,000m distance, and then if I was training for 10,000m, I’ll train for the longer distance.

It’s all about the intervals you do, the training that you do, the runs and volume – I would probably say I had more volume for the marathon training because it’s 42km.

How do you pass the time in your head while long-distance racing? Do you focus on your form and movement, or do you think about what to make for dinner?

Emily, South West

A lot of stuff goes through your mind to pass the time. When I’m doing the easy training, then I’m thinking about my kids, what I’m preparing for dinner.

But when you’re getting ready for the race, then your head goes: How are you going to deal with the race? What is your position doing? What do you need to do tactically? What do you then need to beat everybody?

What are the ways you can increase running stamina?

Mave, South East

There are many ways that you can increase running stamina. The one thing that I know is in terms of training, which means more mileage, more distance. So for example, if you want to have more endurance, then you have to do more intervals, like 800m and then increase your mileage weekly.

Do you think ordinary runners will benefit from investing in carbon-plated shoes?

Simon, London

Yes, they will benefit because it means you’re saving your feet [with the carbon-fibre shoes]. It means that you can do more runs. You can do more, faster runs. And you’re not beating up [your feet] as much.

Do you think middle-aged people without any running experience can take up running safely?

Eleni, London

I’ve heard amazing stories where people in midlife pick up running and suddenly they’re enjoying it. But one thing I’ve always said is to have a goal, whatever that goal is.

If you want to compete at 5k, do that. If you want to compete [at] 10k, aim for that. If you want to run a personal best, you always have to have a goal. If you don’t have a goal, it’s hard to motivate yourself.

Outside of running, what is the one hobby that has helped keep you balanced over the years?

Brandon, London

For me, it is just going to the gym. I’ve always gone to the gym and done lifting, as well as core and stuff. And that keeps my body in good nick.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Zoe, London

The best piece of advice I got given is to join the running club.

Would you, or do you, encourage your children to take up running or any other physical activity?

Thomas, North East

Yes, I do encourage my kids to be active. And for me as a parent, I will always support my kids, whatever they go on and do. But I would love them to do sports because it teaches you to be resilient; it teaches you things that you can’t learn in the office. All the stuff I’ve learnt, it’s through sports.

What do you think the government needs to do to get more children outdoors, active and running?

Kenneth, East of England

I honestly think the government needs to do more. It’s really important for us to have more children be active, have more physical education in school and have more kids moving around. We’re not necessarily looking for an Olympic or world champion, but we need to get more kids active.

What SPF sunscreen do you use when you’re running?

Victoria, North West

I use everything, man. L’Oreal. Just saying. On my bald head.

Would you ever do Strictly Come Dancing?

Siri, London

Would I ever do Strictly Come Dancing? You know me, people. I’ve got two left feet. Would you see me? I know you love to see me, but I ain’t saying anything.

Sir Mo Farah spoke to us as part of his partnership with Buxton Water and mental health charity Mind on their recent Sweat and Tears campaign