The Londoner’s second gold of these Games meant Team GB matched the 65-medal tally from four years ago, a total they surpassed with a bronze in the women’s 4x400metre relay and boxer Joe Joyce’s silver yesterday.
Britain bagged 27 golds — one shy of London — from an overall total of 67 medals and Farah said the record return was down to everyone in the team drawing inspiration from the 2012 Games in the capital.
“It’s pretty amazing really and I like that I levelled the medal tally,” he told Standard Sport. “It’s been brilliant for Team GB. The legacy we left behind in 2012 has been amazing. Nicola Adams, myself, Jade Jones — there are so many people been trying to back it.”
Just as he did at the London Games, Farah won two golds here in Rio, having dominated the 10,000m and 5,000m, but he admitted the challenge had been much tougher this time round. “It’s harder to back it up,” he said. “Look at Greg [Rutherford], Jess [Ennis-Hill]. It’s not just about gold medals but achieving any medal.
“We have done that and collected a lot of medals. The legacy left behind because of 2012 and National Lottery funding and facilities has helped us as athletes.
“We have to be grateful and continue to see what we can leave for the younger ones for the future.”
