Mo Farah airlifted to hospital: runner reveals heart drama
British athlete explains why he missed Commonwealth Games, but says he is back to his best
Mo Farah, one of the stars of the European Athletics Championships beginning today in Zurich, has revealed details of a dramatic breakdown earlier in the year, which saw him hospitalised for several days. The British double Olympic champion collapsed after a training run last month and had to be airlifted to hospital when medics thought he was having a heart attack.
Farah, who pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow citing illness, says in reality his condition was far worse than people were led to believe.
"I basically had a tooth taken out because it was chipped and it got infected," explained Farah, who competes in the 10,000m tomorrow and the 5,000m on Friday. "I was in a bit of pain, but went for a run, and when I came back I literally collapsed on the bathroom floor, completely knocked out."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Farah told the BBC that when he regained consciousness, he phoned his training partner and friend Cam Levins, a Canadian who finished third in the Commonwealth Games 10,000m final. "I was in so much pain from my stomach, and so he called an ambulance and it took me to hospital," continued Farah. "I then had to be airlifted to the main hospital as they thought something was going on with my heart. It was just crazy. I was in hospital for four days and it was scary."
Though doctors could find no reason for his collapse, the 31-year-old Farah, who also blacked out after the New York half marathon in March, was released from hospital after four days and given the all-clear to resume training at the high altitude base at Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees.
"I was doing a track session and Paula Radcliffe [the British 2005 Marathon world champion] was timing me and she told me I should stop," said Farah. "When someone like Paula tells you to stop, you know there is something wrong."
Farah said he was bitterly disappointed he couldn't compete in the Commonwealth Games "for all the people who bought tickets," but believes he is now back in great shape and looking to repeat his double triumph at the 2010 European Championships in Barcelona. "As an athlete it all started at those Europeans," he said. "Once I'd won there you've got the confidence and then it was about the worlds where I won and came second, but the Europeans is where it all started."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Future of Commonwealth Games in doubt as Victoria drops out
Speed Read Australian state cites cost concerns in ‘latest sorry chapter’ for the sporting event
By The Week Staff Published
-
Commonwealth Games: a ‘modern and edgy’ or ‘uncertain’ future?
Under the Radar Birmingham may be the last time the multi-sport event ‘makes such a big noise’
By Mike Starling Published
-
Mo Farah reveals ‘astonishing truth’ about his real name
Speed Read Olympic champion illegally trafficked to UK and forced into domestic servitude as a child
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming
Speed Read Last week, Manchester United re-signed the forward on a two-year deal thought to be worth more than £400,000 a week
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Bank holidays and boycotts: are MPs trying to jinx England?
Speed Read Declaring a bank holiday would be ‘tempting fate’, says Boris Johnson
By The Week Staff Published