Running stars offer displays of appreciation

So when Mo Farah and Usain Bolt imitated each other’s victory salutes following their latest gold medal wins the crowd inside the Olympic Stadium erupted with joy.

British runner Farah secured his second gold of the Games by racing to victory in Saturday’s 5,000m final.

Moments after crossing the finish line the Somali-born champion struck the now-famous ‘Mobot’ – bending both hands towards his head in celebration as if forming a letter M.

It was then sprinter Bolt’s turn to take the stage, adding his third medal of London 2012 by storming the last leg of the 4x100m relay to bring Jamaica an Olympic gold with a world record time.

To the delight of the crowd the triumphant Bolt, whose javelin victory pose is one of the most recognisable images in athletics, pulled out Farah’s signature move seconds after racing to victory.

The record-breaking Jamaican, who won gold in the 100m and 200m finals, had already told Farah he would try out the Briton’s distinctive celebration if his team took the Olympic title.

Following the medal ceremonies the sports stars posed together for the cameras with Farah, 29, mimicking Bolt’s ‘Lightning Bolt’ celebration with his left arm pointing skyward and the world’s fastest man again recreating the ‘Mobot’ in one of the most memorable moments of the Games.

Farah also performed some sit-ups after winning his gold medal in tribute to Bolt, who did press-ups after winning the 200m title.

He said that Bolt copying his trademark move was “awesome”.

“It is a big respect, the guy has broken the world record and is doing the ‘Mobot’,” Farah said.

“It is unbelievable, who would have thought that? The guy is an absolute legend. I’ve known Usain for a long time and what he’s doing for the sport is amazing.

“It’s what we need, he’s just a character.

“I think we take him for granted. We’re not going to see a legend like him again.”