Record-breaker Farah ready to take on world

Farah smashed the record in the Prefontaine Classic at the Eugene Diamond League meeting in Oregon on Saturday.

The Londoner’s time of 26min 46.57sec broke Belgian Mohammed Mourhit’s European benchmark of 26:52.30 set in 1999, while also eclipsing Sheffield runner Jon Brown’s 13-year-old British record of 27:18.14.

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee said: “That was a truly world class performance from Mo beating a very strong field. I am delighted for him. Not only did he destroy both the British and European records, he stood out in a global quality race and beat some of the world’s top athletes.

“That is a positive indication as we move towards the World Championships and London 2012.”

Farah’s career-best display saw him finish just ahead of Ethiopia’s Imane Merga, who clocked 26:48.35, his own personal best.

Farah said: “I just sat at the back and worked my way through the field. If it wasn’t for the crowds I would never have done this. With three laps to go I knew I had the chance for the record.”

Looking ahead to the world championships in Daegu, starting in August, he added: “I want a world medal and it’s shown here, if I keep working hard I’ll be in the mix.”

Justin Gatlin finished sixth in a blistering 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene.

Gatlin, who is returning from a drugs ban, broke the 10 second barrier with a time of 9.97, but finished well adrift of Jamaica’s Steve Mullings, who won in a time of 9.80.