This video can not be played Watch George Mills beat Mo Farah's 5000m UK record at the Diamond League New British men's 5,000m record-holder George Mills says beating Sir Mo Farah's long-standing benchmark shows he "can be in the mix with the best" racers in the world and compete for major championship success. Mills finished fourth in an extremely quick race at the Diamond League event in Oslo, but clocked 12 minutes 46.59 secondsto beat Sir Mo Farah's previous UK bestof 12:53.11 which had stood for 14 years. As well as knocking more than six seconds off the British record, Mills also beat his personal best by more than 12 seconds. He was watched in the Norwegian capital by his family including his father, former England footballer Danny Mills, who described the achievement as "very special". For George, this record represents a huge boost aftermissing the World Indoor Championships,externalwith a virus. But he said he was now firmly back on track, with his eyes on the World Championships in Tokyo in September. "This is the best result of my career," he said, speaking exclusively to BBC Sport from Stockholm where he competes in the next leg of the Diamond League on Sunday. "I've got a couple of European silvers, but this means we're on the right track and can be in the mix with the best." After missing the 2025 World Indoors in Nanjing in March, Mills and his team had focused on 1500m races so as to avoid tiring him out over longer distances. Fully fresh, Mills said this was the first 5,000m race he had attempted to "time trial" for 18 months - and it paid off. "I compete over 1500m and 5,000m, and with 5,000m you need to be more selective with races as it is so taxing on the body," he said. "Eight laps makes a big difference. "In 5,000m you have to choose when you attack, so that's why we've waited so long to do this. But now I'm in the best shape of my life." George Mills' father Danny described the athlete as "very down to earth" Despite breaking the record, when meeting with his family after the race George was reminded by his younger brother - Oxford United footballer Stanley Mills - that he had only finished fourth. "We're all like that," George said with a smile of his high-achieving sporting family. "When you achieve something like that, you can always do something better." According to his father, George has always had the drive and goal-orientated mindset to keep achieving more. Danny Mills - who won 19 England caps and played at the 2002 World Cup - said being from a family which had never settled after success was playing a part in his son's improvement. "He's grown up in that world, seen how I was, and you don't always understand what kids take in," Mills senior told BBC Sport. "It's a family where you don't rest on your laurels. His success is brilliant, but brief, and you have to keep working hard." Even so, former Leeds and Manchester City defender Mills acknowledged that obliterating a record set by multiple Olympic gold winner Farah was something special. "To eclipse a record that has stood for 14 years, breaking the record of a world legend like Mo Farah, that is very special," he said. "It was a fantastic night in Oslo - we travel the world, we don't miss many events as a family. "We always get to see him post-race, sometimes we have to wait a long time, as he has his warm down and drugs testing to do. We waited up, and saw him after midnight." While Mills was caught by Nico Young of the United States in the final 400m, after he led at the bell, his performance laid down a marker in a race which turned into an assault on the world record set by Joshua Cheptegei in 2020. "He was brave, it looked like the race would be tactical but he took it on from two laps out," said Danny. "You become the rabbit, but he was really keen to break the British record."
Mills 'can be in mix with best' after smashing Farah's UK record
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"George Mills Breaks Mo Farah's 5000m UK Record at Diamond League"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
George Mills made headlines after breaking Mo Farah's long-standing UK record in the 5000m race at the Diamond League event in Oslo. Mills clocked a remarkable time of 12 minutes and 46.59 seconds, surpassing Farah's previous record of 12:53.11, which had stood for 14 years. Despite finishing fourth in a highly competitive race, Mills' performance not only shattered the British record by more than six seconds but also marked a significant personal best improvement of over 12 seconds. This victory comes as a significant boost for Mills, especially after he missed the World Indoor Championships due to a virus. He expressed his excitement, stating that this achievement is the best result of his career, reinforcing his belief that he is now in a position to compete with the best athletes globally. With the World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, Mills is eager to maintain his momentum and continue his upward trajectory in the sport.
Mills' journey to this record has been shaped by strategic planning and a focus on maintaining his health and performance levels. His father, Danny Mills, a former England footballer, emphasized the importance of a driven mindset within their family, noting that George has always been goal-oriented and has learned not to rest on past successes. The support from his family, including his younger brother Stanley, who humorously reminded him of his fourth-place finish despite the record-breaking achievement, plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded. Danny described George's performance in Oslo as brave, particularly as he took the lead in the race with two laps remaining. The family’s commitment to attending George's events and celebrating his achievements, regardless of the outcomes, showcases their dedication to his athletic career. As Mills prepares for future competitions, he is determined to build on this success and continue pushing the boundaries of his capabilities in athletics.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights George Mills' remarkable achievement of breaking Mo Farah's long-standing UK record in the 5000m race. This victory not only emphasizes Mills' potential as a top competitor but also serves to inspire and energize the athletics community. The context of the article suggests that it aims to showcase Mills as a rising star in athletics, particularly after overcoming a setback due to illness.
Motivation Behind the Article
The primary motivation appears to be the promotion of George Mills and his capabilities as an elite athlete. By emphasizing his record-breaking performance, the article aims to generate excitement and support for Mills, positioning him as a serious contender for future championships. This could also be a strategic move to draw attention to the upcoming World Championships, creating a narrative that rallies fans and sponsors around Mills.
Public Perception
The piece is likely intended to foster a positive image of George Mills within the athletics community and the general public. It highlights his dedication, resilience, and talent, which can resonate well with audiences who value perseverance and achievement. Mills' connection to his family, particularly his father, adds a relatable angle that may enhance public interest and support.
Potential Omissions
While the article does celebrate Mills' success, it may downplay the broader implications of his record-breaking run, such as the challenges faced by other athletes in the sport or the impact of this achievement on the future of British athletics. There is no mention of how this victory might influence funding or support for athletics programs in the UK, which could be relevant to stakeholders.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
In comparing this article with other sports news, it stands out due to its focus on an individual athlete’s achievement rather than broader team dynamics or controversies. However, it aligns with the common trend of celebrating personal milestones in sports journalism, which often serves to inspire and motivate the audience.
Societal Implications
The article could have a motivating effect on young athletes and aspiring runners by showcasing what can be achieved with hard work and determination. It may also influence local athletics clubs to support and train young talents, potentially leading to a resurgence in interest in long-distance running within the community.
Audience Targeting
The piece appeals to sports enthusiasts, particularly those interested in athletics and track events. It may also resonate with family-oriented audiences, given the emphasis on Mills' family support.
Economic Impact
While the immediate economic impact on stock markets or specific industries may be limited, increased visibility of British athletics can lead to more sponsorship opportunities and funding for athletes and events. Companies associated with sports apparel or nutrition products might find this news beneficial for marketing.
Geopolitical Context
While the article does not address geopolitical issues directly, it contributes to the narrative of British excellence in sports. This could indirectly bolster national pride, especially in the context of international competitions like the World Championships.
Use of AI in Writing
It's plausible that AI tools were utilized in crafting the article for efficiency or to enhance readability. The narrative structure and language choices suggest a polished style that may benefit from AI assistance, especially in maintaining a compelling flow.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not seem overtly manipulative, as it primarily focuses on celebrating an athlete's success. However, there is a subtle emphasis on Mills' potential that could create unrealistic expectations for future performances. The language used, while positive, may lead to a perception that Mills’ record-breaking run guarantees future victories.
In conclusion, this article is reliable in conveying George Mills' achievement while also serving to inspire and uplift the athletics community. It effectively communicates the significance of the record and Mills' potential as a competitive athlete, albeit with some limitations regarding broader implications.