Four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list.
The 33-year-old successfully retained his 5,000 and 10,000 metres titles at the Rio Olympics, becoming the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympic gold medals.
Farah admitted being elevated to “Sir Mo” was difficult to take in.
“I am so happy to be awarded this incredible honour from the country that has been my home since I moved here at the age of eight,” said Farah. “Looking back at the boy who arrived here from Somalia, not speaking any English, I could never have imagined where I would be today – it is a dream come true.
“I am so proud to have had the opportunity to race for my country and win gold medals for the British people, who have been my biggest supporters throughout my career. My successes have only been possible because of their support and the commitment, sacrifices and love of my amazing family and the team around me now and over the years.”
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Farah spent most of his early life in Djibouti and came to London when he was eight to join his father. He would go on to train at Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club.
Farah landed his first major outdoor gold medals by completing the long-distance double at the 2010 European Championships in Barcelona.
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Success at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu followed, as would double gold at a home Olympic Games which catapulted Farah into the sporting stratosphere.
