Twin Ambitions - My Autobiography (42 page)

High up in the mountains at Iten – I was the first British athlete to get out there and train with the Kenyans.

Above and Below:
With my beautiful daughter Rhianna. From the moment we first met, the two of us hit it off immediately and developed an immense bond. The rest is history.

Trying out my new disguise at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin – Afro Mo.

Getting married in April 2010. It was a beautiful day: everyone was there to see us tie the knot.

My first major title at Barcelona in 2010. I became the first Briton to land 10,000 metres gold at the European Championships.

My old friend Chris Thompson won silver to make it a one-two for Great Britain.

Winning the double in Barcelona helped ease the pain of Beijing – and thrust me into the limelight.

As soon as I won the 5000 metres I sank to my knees and whispered a prayer.

Me, Tania, Rhianna and Colin Nell, Tania’s brother, celebrating after the European Championships, enjoying a bit of down time in Barcelona.

Everyone who lives in Iten knows about running. There are no luxuries or distractions – you’re there to train hard. I soon began to reap the benefits and I’ve trained there every year since.

Alberto Salazar, a coach considered something of a genius, and the guy who got me over the line.

My victory at the Pre Classic 10,000 metres in Eugene was the turning point of my career on the world stage. All of a sudden, I was a threat.