“I’ve done my country and many people proud,” said Farah, who began his morning by performing his iconic ‘Mobot’ while perched atop one of the capsules on the London Eye, in .

“Growing up in Teddington and seeing the Kenyans and Ethiopians winning, I never thought, ‘One day, we’ll be able to challenge them and beat them at their own game’.

“I hope I can leave that legacy behind – and get behind younger British kids and see what we can do.

“It will take 10-15 years to get the next best distance runner in terms of winning medals. But we need to start somewhere.”

Farah, who was knighted in New Year honors, became Britain’s most successful track and field athlete when he won his third and fourth gold medals in Rio for the 5,000m and 10,000m.

Winning gold in 10,000m and 5000m races, Farah cemented his place as one of Britain’s greatest athletes with his double success four years ago.

Repeating the feat in 2012 and 2016, he became one of the world’s most successful distance runner in terms of major medals.

He was also awarded a CBE after winning two gold medals at the 2012 London games.

Farah had already achieved the World Championships ‘double double’, successfully defending his 10,000m and 5,000m titles in Beijing last year.

For many, Farah’s prayer can help counter the damaging stereotypes of Muslims held by many around the world, with his Muslim faith being central to his excellence in sport.