Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
James Ingham

Lionel Richie was secret to Mo Farah's comeback after suffering broken foot

When it came to fighting ­back from injury, Lionel Richie had Mo Farah at Hello.

Richie’s classic inspired the four-time Olympic champ, who had suffered a foot stress fracture.

The London 2012 great is running again and trains to Richie numbers, such as Dancing on the Ceiling.

Sir Mo, 38, said: “If I’m outside listening to music, I love old-school hip hop and R&B. I love a bit of Lionel’s Hello.”

Mo, who was on last year’s I’m a Celebrity, said of his injury: “My foot was practically broken.

“Once we realised how bad it was, I couldn’t even walk. It is really tough not being able to train.

Lionel Richie is the unexpected inspiration for Mo's resurgence (Getty Images for Rolla's)

"I meditate a little bit. I’ve had to learn to just take a ­moment to go back to myself.

“I have been gardening, spending time with the family.”

Mo has a long way to go (HUAWEI)

The injury stopped Mo from qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

Mo, speaking at the launch of Huawei GT3 ­fitness smartwatch which is on sale on November 10, expects it will be months before he’s 100% fit.

He is not the only sporting star who loves Lionel.

In 2018, soccer legend Alan Shearer celebrated an England win by singing All Night Long in a restaurant – using a breadstick as a mic.

Fellow footballer John Terry had the singer perform at his wedding.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.