That’s four for Farah. Mo Farah of Great Britain used his patented kick to win his second gold medal in Rio -- and fourth overall -- by winning the 5,000 meters in 13:03.30.
Olympics 2016: Mo Farah wins 2nd straight gold in men’s 5000m race
Farah defended his title, and Paul Chelimo originally was in the silver medal position, but was disqualified as 41-year-old Bernard Lagat won bronze for the US.
The US hadn’t medaled in the event since 1964, but Paul Chelimo crossed the finish line in the silver medal position in 13:03.90. He was, however, disqualified for stepping on the inside of the track. Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia moved up into the silver medal position with a time of 13:04.35.
Bernard Lagat of the US, who at 41 ran in his fifth Olympic Games, moved up into the bronze medal position with a time of 13:06.78. Lagat wasn’t even supposed to make the Olympic team, but blitzed a 52-second last lap in the Olympic Trials to win the U.S. championship after dropping out of the 10,000 meters due to exhaustion.
The Ethiopians went to the front of the race immediately, coming through the first lap in 62 seconds, hoping to take the sting out of Farah’s punishing finishing kick. They didn’t slow much, coming through the first kilometer in 2:37, much faster than most championship races. Paul Chelimo of the U.S. was near the front of the race, with Farah sitting in about sixth place at the mile. The pace eventually slowed, and the pack grouped up behind the leaders.
Farah went to the front 8:20 into the race to keep the pace honest. It ended up setting up for one more fantastic finish.
Almaz Ayana nearly won the 5,000-10,000 double, but was passed by Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot after jumping out to a huge lead early in the race as Cheruiyot led a 1-2 finish for Kenya. Farah, however, was able to pull the double feat off.
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