Mo Katir: “I aspire to have my own house and not live with my parents”

Mohamed Katir doesn’t like to talk. Not even now that he has just won bronze in the 1,500m World Championships. He speaks little, but he says a lot. He communicates well. He says what he thinks and he means what he says. At 24 years old, he is in a great moment. Already with records, but still hungry. He is now preparing in Sierra Nevada to compete in the European Championships in Munich, in two weeks. — How do you like to be called, Mohamed, Moha, Mo? —Kathir. — A hundredth of a second in the first round almost sent it all to the ground at Oregon… The line between success and failure is fine. —Yes, the truth is that in the qualifying rounds I was very relaxed. As the first six were classified, well, he did not see it as difficult. But the race started very slowly and got very dangerous at the end. — How has this bronze medal changed you? —Well, I’m more motivated, more eager. It is not easy to win a medal. Athletics is very difficult and in a few more World Cups, the level is tremendous. I am very happy with my performance. Desktop Code ???? This final race of the 1,500 meter event is already history of Spanish athletics (@atletismoRFEA): Mohamed Katir, bronze medal ???? Mario García, 4th. Ignacio Fontes, 11th. ????All the information at https://t.co/E6WUGJO9Pt#WorldAthleticsChamps #EspañaAtletismo pic.twitter.com/8zZR1F4qdJ— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) July 20, 2022 Image for mobile, amp and app Mobile code ????This final race of the 1,500-meter test is already the history of Spanish athletics (@atletismoRFEA): Mohamed Katir, bronze medal ???? Mario García, 4th. Ignacio Fontes, 11th. ???? All the information at https://t.co/E6WUGJO9Pt#WorldAthleticsChamps #EspañaAtletismo pic.twitter.com/8zZR1F4qdJ— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) July 20, 2022 AMP Code ????This end of the 1,500-meter race is already is the history of Spanish athletics (@atletismoRFEA): Mohamed Katir, bronze medal ???? Mario García, 4th. Ignacio Fontes, 11th. ???? All the information at https://t.co/E6WUGJO9Pt#WorldAthleticsChamps #EspañaAtletismo pic.twitter.com/8zZR1F4qdJ— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) July 20, 2022 APP code ????This end of the 1,500-meter race is already is the history of Spanish athletics (@atletismoRFEA): Mohamed Katir, bronze medal ???? Mario García, 4th. Ignacio Fontes, 11th. ????All the information at https://t.co/E6WUGJO9Pt#WorldAthleticsChamps #EspañaAtletismo pic.twitter.com/8zZR1F4qdJ— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) July 20, 2022—Looking back, how do you assess your eighth place in Tokyo now? —It was a blast. I fulfilled my dream. They always told me about the Olympics. It was a very big thing for me. And to have an Olympic diploma… I’m very proud of that, really. — You will run the 5,000 meters in the Europeans. Does he do it because he sees himself with more possibilities than in the 1,500? -Nope. I do it because we had it programmed that way. I am a complete athlete. I enjoy the 1,500 and the 5,000. And if I had to make 10,000, well, I’ll do it and that’s it. — In 2022 he has been somewhat less aware of the times. Comparing with 2021, it seemed that his form was one step below… —This year I am more focused on getting plate. The marks and records are already there. And if we look at the World Cup time, I’m already at the level of my record in Spain. — Will you perhaps look for the records after the Europeans? —After Munich I want to rest. Let’s see if Mustard, my manager, will let me! — It is likely that Ingebrigtsen will only run the 1,500 in Munich. They still get rid of him. What do you think of the Norwegian? —I don’t know him very well, but he is an athlete and I like how he runs. He sets very strong rhythms. Related News standard Yes World Athletics José Luis González: «Katir runs as I like, hidden and appearing in the bell, looking for corpses» ignacio romo standard Yes Athletics Mo Katir’s great desire Javier Asprón — Tell me about the Spanish middle-distance runners. García Romo has been the great novelty this year. How does he see it? — He is very quiet, shy, like me. He doesn’t like to talk. He seems like a very nice person, a very patient guy. On the track he runs very tactically and it seems to me that he will be a very tough opponent. That’s good: I can’t relax. “Adel Mechaal?” “I don’t know much about him. He’s not my friend or anything. He is a tough opponent. In the World Cups he was bad, but he will be resurrected. He never gives up. – Nacho Fontes? — He is the one I like best of the three. I’ve known him for years. He is a very good athlete. I admire him. — You are training in Sierra Nevada preparing for the Europeans. What kind of work is he doing, tuning the speed? “The work is already done. What I do is keep myself. — Any good sessions? —Before the World Championships I did 20 series of 400 meters between 1:01 and 1:02, with 30 seconds of recovery between each one. My girlfriend accompanied me on the bike. Then I finished off with 200, 400 and 200 stronger. — What kind of final of 5,000 suits you in Munich? —I prefer it slow, with a fast last 1,000. I am strong. — What is the highest mileage he has done in his entire career? —In Font Romeu last year I did a week of 190 kilometers… but my coach doesn’t know this! — The great Sebastian Coe used to say that he suffered in training but not in competition… —Well, I totally agree. In the competition I enjoy a lot. I also like training, but less. — Do you follow any special diet in your preparation? “I eat very well. I’m lovin ‘it. And what I like the most is my mother’s couscous. — Those Moroccan genes, are they important in your successes as an athlete? -Nope. I don’t believe in genetics. I believe in hard work. I believe in eating well, sleeping well and working at altitude. Here he has me, training at 2,300 meters. — Do you still write poems? -Of course. That always. He relaxes me, motivates me. He makes me think more about life. — And how is life, Katir? —Life is very hard and more so for an athlete. Life is a fight: you have to go out every day to fight it. — As you add triumphs, your economy will improve. What dreams does he have? —Having my own house and not living with my parents. I also aspire to have a car, but they are very expensive. — What car do you dream of? —My dream is a Mustang, but it is very expensive for an athlete. If it is not possible, then a 4×4 that walks well. — How do you see doping? “It’s the easy way. I don’t understand any of it nor do I investigate it. The one who tests positive is a loser. He deserves to have been caught. — Do you admire any Spanish athlete? -The truth is, no. I was a footballer. — And what footballer have you admired? —To Andrea Pirlo. He was my favourite. — What team is he from? —Juventus. — Already put, do you think Cristiano will come to Atlético? -I wish. When I was little I wanted to be like him. He had the same hairstyle and collars turned up, as he did. — Some athlete will admire… —Yes. Internationally, Kipchoge, the marathon runner. He is a great reference. I really like his philosophy. — How was the atmosphere of the Spanish team in the World Cups? -Very good. I’ve had a great time.