British Athletics head coach says Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion would not take part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! if it was going to affect his chances in Tokyo, writes Jason Henderson

Christian Malcolm says Mo Farah did not speak to him before going on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! but the new Olympic head coach at British Athletics does not have a problem with the distance running star’s decision.

“I know he had conversations with our endurance team,” says Malcolm. “Sir Mo Farah and Hollie Arnold (the Paralympic thrower who is also on the ITV show) are both experienced athletes. They’re at different ends of their careers too which we have to respect.”

Has Malcolm been among the millions of viewers? “I was forced to watch it by my daughter and wife – and it’s been entertaining!” he admitted.

In the past Farah has competed in television shows like Superstars and the Soccer Aid charity football matches but it has not seemingly affected his athletics performances.

“It’s a decision for Mo," Malcolm says. "He’s at the back end of his career and he’s looking to transition into something else. He’s not stupid and if he thought it was going to jeopardise his chances at the Olympics, he wouldn’t do it. It’s the same for Hollie too and we have to respect their decision to do it.”

On having Farah back on the track at a major championships next year, Malcolm said: “It’s a big boost. We all have good memories of watching him in 2012. It’ll be great to have Mo back in the fold. It’s going to be tough and not as comfortable for Mo as it was in the past and he’ll know that.”

Farah will be one of Britain’s few genuine gold medal hopes at the Games. Others include reigning world champions Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Malcolm has spoken to the world 200m and heptathlon champions already since he got the new role but added: “They’re not the kind of athletes who want me calling them up every week but I’ll be checking on them when it’s relevant and necessary and they can call me if there’s anything they need.”

On the quest for medals in Tokyo compared to the wider health of the sport, Malcolm says both are important. “Medals are always important – they are the ultimate goal. Our athletes always want to achieve. But for me it’s about trying to get the most our of athletes we have and helping them fulfil their talent and if that means helping them make finals or winning medals then that’s a success.”

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