Farah strikes gold to take world 5,000 metres

As a slow race turned into a last-lap sprint, Farah held off American Bernard Lagat and Ethiopia’s Imane Merga to claim victory in 13 minutes 23.36 seconds.

The 28-year-old, who claimed double gold at the European Championships last year, came into the race as the favourite after leading the world rankings in 2011.

But it took all his new-found finishing speed to hold off almost the entire field, with only two of the 16 runners out of contention by the bell.

Farah had been happy to stay at the back of the pack in the early stages, even grabbing some water from a drinks station down the back straight on the third lap.

With 100m to go, Gebremeskel began to fade and it was Lagat – world champion over 1,500 and 5,000m in 2007 – who began to threaten, but Farah bravely held on to become the first British man to win a world title over 5,000m.

Farah told Channel Four: “I’m very proud, I just can’t believe it. I just had to go out there and do what I did in the 10k but just get it right this time.”

The 28-year-old’s move to Oregon in the United States to train appears to have paid significant dividends. “I’ve made a lot of sacrifices but I’m glad I’ve made that choice,” he added.

His wife, Tania Nell, added: “I’m just speechless. I’m just very proud and very happy.”