The 10-time global track champion is to switch from coach Alberto Salazar in the US to be guided by Gary Lough in the UK
Britain’s four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah has announced he is to split with coach Alberto Salazar and move back to the UK.
Farah has worked with Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project in Portland, Oregon, since late 2010 but is now set to be guided by Gary Lough, the husband and coach of world marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe.
“I’ve got big news today – I’m moving back home, London. I really miss home,” Farah said in a video published on social media.
“I’ll no longer be coached by Alberto Salazar, working with Oregon Project. I want to thank each member of Oregon Project and Alberto for what he has done over the years.
“My new coach is going to be Gary Lough, who coached Paula Radcliffe through her marathons,” Farah added. “I’m very excited to start a new project, a new start. I can’t wait to be back home.”
Salazar has guided Farah to 10 global gold medals – four Olympic titles and six world golds over 5000m and 10,000m – since the pair teamed up seven years ago.
Salazar is being investigated by the US Anti-Doping Agency, though has denied any wrongdoing, while there is no suggestion that Farah has violated any rules. In an interview with The Sun, Farah denied that the move is related to the anti-doping allegations.
“I’m not leaving the Nike Oregon Project and Alberto Salazar because of the doping allegations,” The Sun quotes Farah as saying.
“This situation has been going on for over two years, if I was going to leave because of that I would have done.
“As I’ve always said, I am firm believer in clean sport and I strongly believe that anyone who breaks the rules should be punished. If Alberto had crossed the line I would be out the door but USADA (US Anti Doping) has not charged him with anything. If I had ever had any reason to doubt Alberto, I would not have stood by him all this time.”
Following his retirement from the track after this summer’s IAAF World Championships in London – where Farah claimed 10,000m gold and 5000m silver – the 34-year-old has switched his focus to road racing and last month claimed a fourth consecutive victory at the Simplyhealth Great North Run.
He is set to race the Virgin Money London Marathon for the second time in April.
