FARAH AMONG NOMINEES FOR IAAF WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2017

Sir Mo Farah has once again been shortlisted for the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award.

Retiring from the track this year as Britain’s most decorated track and field Olympian of all time, Farah’s double Olympic gold last summer in Rio saw him receive a knighthood before focus shifted to another global championship on home soil, London 2017.

After a blistering British and European record on the indoor circuit in February over 5000m, Farah opened up his outdoor season with impressive outings over 1500m and 5000m before fine-tuning his world championship preparations with 10,000m victory in Ostrava and a win over 3000m at London’s Müller Anniversary Games.

Come the championships Farah did not disappoint, bringing the house down on the opening night with a memorable gold in a 10,000m to remember with 26:49.51, the second quickest time of his career over the distance. Eight days later he added silver over 5000m to his medal haul, taking his tally of global career medals to 12, ten of which are gold.

One of the only accolades missing from his collection, the two-time double Olympic champion claimed the IAAF Diamond Trophy in the IAAF Diamond League 5000m final just two weeks on from the world championships, out-dipping Muktar Edris on the line in a thrilling and fitting finale to his track career.

The 34-year-old then rounded out the season with victory at the Great North Run, claiming his fourth consecutive title at the event in a time of 60:06, with his attendance at next year’s Virgin Money London Marathon then confirmed as he turns to the road full-time.

A three-way voting process will determine the finalists (more information here, along with the full shortlist), with fans able to vote online via the IAAF’s social media platforms, where individual graphics for each nominee will be posted on Facebook and Twitter and a ‘like’ or ‘favourite’ count as one vote.

Voting closes on 16 October. At the conclusion of the voting process, three men and three women finalists will be announced by the IAAF. The male and female World Athletes of the Year will be announced live on stage at the IAAF Athletics Awards 2017.