World Athletics Championships 2017: Mo Farah - I gave it my all but I had nothing left
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Updated 12/08/2017 at 22:25 GMT
An emotional Mo Farah reflected on his empty tank after finishing second in his final track race in the 5,000m on Saturday.
Mo Farah à l'issue de la finale du 5000m.
Image credit: Getty Images
Farah, who won gold in the 10,000m was expected to close out his career by completing the double.
However he was beaten by a terrific showing from Muktar Edris.
"I gave it my all but I had nothing left at the end," a crestfallen and emotional Farah said after the race.
"It's been a long journey but it's been incredible. It doesn't quite sink in until you compete here and cross the line - I had a couple of minutes to myself - that this is it.
"To be honest with you it takes so much out of me. It's not an excuse, but it took a lot more out of me than I realised."
It was a glorious win for 23-year-old Ethiopian Edris, the fastest man in the world this year, who had lost all his five previous meetings with Farah.
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Mo Farah
Image credit: Getty Images
Yet just like Usain Bolt in the 100 metres the previous weekend, it did look a race too far for the weary Briton.
To rub in his victory after years of the Ethiopians being tormented by Farah's brilliance, Edris even gave an impression of his rival's famed "Mobot" celebration as he crossed the line.
"I was highly prepared for this race and I knew I was going to beat Mo Farah," Edris said.
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Muktar Edris of Ethiopia does the 'Mobot' as Mohamed Farah of Great Britain looks on after crossing the finishline in the Men's 5000 Metres final during day nine of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 12
Image credit: Getty Images
"After the 10km he was maybe tired so he did not have enough for the last kick. I was stronger.
"I didn't have much support but we did it. I did the Mobot out of respect as well for him."
"Tactically, I was trying to cover every move," said Farah, after being consoled by his wife and four children at trackside.
"They had the game plan: one of them was going to sacrifice themselves. That's what they did tonight, and the better man won on the day.
"My legs had it on the home straight. I got boxed in early on - it doesn't normally happen - and couldn't get out."
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