Mo Farah: London is the greatest city in the world

Rashid Razaq12 August 2016

Mo Farah has called London the “greatest city in the world” as he prepares to defend his 10,000m Olympic crown.

The 33-year-old is one of a number of the biggest names in sport to today throw their weight behind the #LondonIsOpen initiative.

Farah said: “London is my home town and the greatest city in the world. I will never forget the support I got back in 2012 – the roar of the crowd in the Olympic Stadium, but also the whole city getting behind Team GB and driving us on to victory. London is open to an amazing world of sport for everyone.”

The England cricket team, football clubs Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, QPR, England rugby player Chris Robshaw, Saracens rugby club, Olympic snowboarder Jenny Jones and former England footballer Rio Ferdinand also backed the campaign.

Mo Farah appears in the new video alongside Mayor Sadiq Khan

Farah joined London mayor Sadiq Khan to film a video promoting the city’s sporting prowess and inclusivness before flying out to Rio.

He will tomorrow race in the 10,000m in what is shaping up to be a repeat of London 2012’s “Super Saturday” four years ago, with Farah, long jumper Greg Rutherford and heptathlete Jess Ennis-Hill all once again hoping to win gold on the same day.

Farah will also start his 5,000m campaign on Wednesday before the final the following weekend.

Robshaw, who also features in the #LondonIsOpen video alongside Ferdinand and Jones, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world thanks to rugby and yet nowhere compares to London when it comes to sport.

"I’m proud to call this city my home and to play here for both club and country. The opportunities to get involved in sport in London are endless.”

Jones said: “Whatever your chosen sport, the facilities on offer in London are second to none.”

Surrey County Cricket Club made a video showing a series of open doors at The Oval which is currently hosting the Fourth Test between England and Pakistan.

Alec Stewart, Director of Cricket at Surrey CCC, said: “We are proud to be a diverse and historic club and, over the years, have welcomed players from all around the globe, mirroring the diversity of our city in our club. We are proud to support this campaign.”

Mr Khan said: “London is home to some of the most celebrated and accomplished sports men and women on the planet.

"As well as staging some of the world’s greatest cultural and artistic showcases, we are renowned for hosting top-calibre sporting events and are looking forward to holding the 2017 World Athletics and ParaAthletics Championships next year.

“That is why it is so important that we send the message, loud and clear, that London is open to athletes, major sports clubs, event organisers, sporting bodies and anyone who wants to contribute to the success of our city.”

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