Farah prioritises 10,000m at European Championships

By Nick Clowes, Sportsbeat

MO Farah will focus his double medal bid at this month's European Athletics Championships on the 10,000m.

PRIORITIES: Mo Farah will compete in the 5000m and 10,000m in Barcelona but it's the latter that matters most

Farah won 5,000m silver in Gothenburg four years ago but despite refusing to rule out an upgrade, believes his better chance comes over the 25 lap distance, despite running a 13.05.66 personal best at yesterday's Aviva Grand Prix in Gateshead.

Last month Farah became the third fastest Brit ever over by clocking 27 minutes 28.86 seconds in Marseille. It means he heads the European rankings over the distance, just ahead British team-mate Chris Thompson, who will also travel to Spain.

The 10,000m event at the European is a straight final and Farah won't start to think about the 5,000m heats, scheduled for 36 hours later, until he crosses the finish line.

"I am concentrating on the 10,000m," said Farah.

"I like the 10km and getting the British record earlier in the year was very pleasing.

"I won silver in Gothenburg four years ago and of course it would be nice to go one better but I am not thinking like that yet.

"I am not sure what the competition will be like - it is likely to be strong - but I will just wait until I get there to see who is running and who is doing what.

"If I run like I know I can then I won't really be concerned about who else is in the race - I know I can run fast.

"My only focus is the European Championships that is the only race.

"I am confident I can go there and run fast and who knows - maybe I can pick up a medal."