Mo Farah should retire

HarrierStu wrote:

Totally agree. Guys like Lance and Mo just can’t help themselves. The likelihood he cheated is very high. A normal Joe could walk away, but Mo ant stand the thought of someone else being at the top. Mo probably has borderline personality disorder. Conflict and scandal follow him every where he goes. Five years from now he will be making his rounds on podcasts, network tv, etc. pleading his case that he had no choice to cheat because everyone was doing it.

The sport would be better off if he would just go away.

BPD? Dear God, man. An all-time low. What a bitter, ill-informed soul you are.

LDoc wrote:

HarrierStu wrote:

Totally agree. Guys like Lance and Mo just can’t help themselves. The likelihood he cheated is very high. A normal Joe could walk away, but Mo ant stand the thought of someone else being at the top. Mo probably has borderline personality disorder. Conflict and scandal follow him every where he goes. Five years from now he will be making his rounds on podcasts, network tv, etc. pleading his case that he had no choice to cheat because everyone was doing it.

The sport would be better off if he would just go away.

BPD? Dear God, man. An all-time low. What a bitter, ill-informed soul you are.

Why do you say that?

The marked sensitivity to criticism...the impulsive and reckless behavior (see the treadmill incident)...emotional reactions disproportionate to the situation (see police incident at airport, uncontrollable urge to talk about Geb at press conference)...chaotic interpersonal relationships (willing to throw Salazar under the bus- TWICE, rumors of infidelity)...anger/rage (MULTIPLE physical altercations documented)...

Actually, it doesn't seem so far fetched. And this is based on just what we know. Curious that pathological liar doesn't fit the criteria anywhere, however.

Freud dude wrote:

LDoc wrote:

BPD? Dear God, man. An all-time low. What a bitter, ill-informed soul you are.

Why do you say that?

The marked sensitivity to criticism...the impulsive and reckless behavior (see the treadmill incident)...emotional reactions disproportionate to the situation (see police incident at airport, uncontrollable urge to talk about Geb at press conference)...chaotic interpersonal relationships (willing to throw Salazar under the bus- TWICE, rumors of infidelity)...anger/rage (MULTIPLE physical altercations documented)...

Actually, it doesn't seem so far fetched. And this is based on just what we know. Curious that pathological liar doesn't fit the criteria anywhere, however.

Honestly, I think it's overreach. He is married with children, and shows no especial difficulty interpersonally absent competent antagonists. He's defensive in the face of constant attacks (even from people who don't know him), who are keen to see him fall from grace. Whatever he does, it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. I think he's childish and 'suitably' egotistical for a world class athlete. I've lived and professional experience around BPD, and it really is another kettle of fish. If we, in addition, start trying to label him a pathological liar, presumably we are headed for psychopathy. But as a trait in isolation, I think there are many on this board who fit that particular category. Reading the posts on this forum gives me the chills sometimes. But then I see someone who presumably knows Freud and I get some comfort!

Lol. Don’t forget to add the local Turkey Trot. Until El G adds that to his resume he is trash....

Why does it always have to be about retiring on top ? Retiring so that an athlete doesn't embarrass himself ?

If an athlete enjoys the feeling of racing and everything that comes with it who are we to decide when one should retire ? Live life to the fullest! Give a damn about what other people think

Internetsherlock wrote:

Why does it always have to be about retiring on top ? Retiring so that an athlete doesn't embarrass himself ?

If an athlete enjoys the feeling of racing and everything that comes with it who are we to decide when one should retire ? Live life to the fullest! Give a damn about what other people think

I agree. I can remember Bill Rodgers getting 4th at Boston when he was 38, passing Arturo Barrios in the last mile. Bill was never going to run 2:09 again, but for many of us it was cool to see him out there doing his best. And I loved seeing Gebreselassie running so well for a couple years in his early 40s. I recognize that for many of the posters here Mo Farrah is just unlikable. Frankly most of you come across a bit hyperbolic, but ok--you don't like him--but I think it is at the very least rather ballsy that he wants to defend his Olympic title against rather long odds.

Agreed. Ballsy. It's likely also a good business decision.

Bolt didn't t retire on top hardly affected his reputation. Its not like he's a boxer putting his health at risk

He's a professional runner a couple of years after retiring sponsorships etc will dry up. He's getting paid more doing marathons than nearly all the runners running faster than him. London gave him a massive pay deal. He's not doing the marathon because it will be too hot abs he's got more chance on the track.

I'm sure he doesn't need Al sal to get drugs

Is it about the money? Before, Farah was probably making good money on the roads. But his last few marathons he’s finished further and further back. Major marathons won’t be paying him nearly as much. But a return to the track would still get him some lucrative appearance fees.

If I were him, I probably would. He could give back and still be employed by teaching young British chaps and chapettes

As for EL G, I think many insiders assume one of two things

1) He had accomplished a lot and was battling injury so why bother.

2) EPO positives were starting to proliferate so why risk it.

Herb Elliott did it right.

Leave them wanting more.

Guap wrote:

Is it about the money? Before, Farah was probably making good money on the roads. But his last few marathons he’s finished further and further back. Major marathons won’t be paying him nearly as much. But a return to the track would still get him some lucrative appearance fees.

My guess is that Farrah would do well having taken either fork in the road. Probably money played some sort of role in this decision, but I think those who are claiming it is the primary factor really can't know this for certain. Farrah is not a machine. As much as many who post here dislike him, he is still flesh and bone and spirit. He has to do the training that is required for whatever event he chooses to focus on. My hunch is that he finds himself craving the requisite routine for a 10,000 meter race more than a marathon. Can you blame him? The script for the church of Farrah hatred seems to be to condemn him for whatever he does. Well, he doesn't exist to satisfy you. Personally, I had more fondness for the gregarious Haile Gebreselassie, but I also recognize that Mo Farrah, as an African immigrant, faces different circumstances than Haile faced in Ethiopia. Farrah has in my opinion not handled everything right, but he could have done far worse. Unless he is brought down by some sort of drug suspension (and none of us on the outside really can know how to judge that situation, despite how good it feels to think you know), Farrah will be an icon in the UK for the rest of his life. I for one hope that the UK gets to celebrate an immigrant who likes being English and continues to grow into his role. He probably won't get a medal in Tokyo, but in twenty years time he will be remembered for his wins, and perhaps for the guts to give it one more try. And yes, I know there are many who feel they "know" he will be outed as a great drug cheat. Unless you are part of a very small circle of people you don't know. Yes, there are many drug cheats. If Mo is one he will get caught, probably, and that will be right. But having followed this sport for 50-plus years, I have come to see many aspersions proven wrong. Better to call for proof than cast stones.

high school xc coach wrote:

...no reason for him to step down without testing himself one more time.

Choice word selection.

You people just done get it, if one has the ability to race at the top then do it. Olympics aren't won in fast times, never have been? Have you jerks not looked at the podium times for the games? There slow and won with two big laps out of 25. Come on people. He knows with a 52 last lap he could win. If you were or had the ability to race at 37 years old for a Olympic Title would you? Of course you would. The best keep on until they wake up one morning an say thats enough. Leave it to them. Not your sarcastic non athletic never in the game minds give comments on a subject that you must not understand. Peace out!!

Every cell in my body is automatically repulsed by the site of this quasi-humanoid. Every time I see this vile creature I feel the sudden urge to stomp on it.

I'm all for football players and boxers retiring early because Rough Sports!

But Mo Farah should do fine at the 10,000. He might not metal but he'll definitely make the finals in have a chance to metal so why not go for it.

PisgahRunning wrote:

You people just done get it, if one has the ability to race at the top then do it. Olympics aren't won in fast times, never have been? Have you jerks not looked at the podium times for the games? There slow and won with two big laps out of 25. Come on people. He knows with a 52 last lap he could win. If you were or had the ability to race at 37 years old for a Olympic Title would you? Of course you would. The best keep on until they wake up one morning an say thats enough. Leave it to them. Not your sarcastic non athletic never in the game minds give comments on a subject that you must not understand. Peace out!!

Cheptegei doesn't do slow pace. The new competition from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia are younger and faster than Farah always faced during his time. He will need a low 26:40 to win it. The Farah who turned up in Chicago and had lost contact with the lead group by mile 8 isn't running 26:40 on the track. His splits from that marathon were closer to Brigid Kosgei's.