Farah, who had already won gold in the 10,000 meters, took silver four years ago in the shorter distance but went one better on Saturday with a commanding performance as he held off the challenge of Spain's Jesus Espana and Azerbaijan's Hayle Ibrahimov to win in 13 minutes, 31.18 seconds at Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.

The 27-year-old crumpled to the ground in tears after the victory as Espana - who took gold over him by just 0.09 seconds in Goteborg, Sweden in 2006 - congratulated the Somalian-born runner.

“I didn't think my legs would let me do that, but they did and I'm so happy,” Farah said.

Espana was in contention for gold once more but Farah was determined to hang on this time around.

“In the home straight I just had to dig and dig,” Farah said. “Four years ago, it was at that point where he came past me, I just didn't want to look behind, I just wanted to dig and dig and push and push.” Like several other athletes in the championships, Farah's roots originate outside Europe. His are in Somalia.

“It's the life I left behind but I don't have much memory of it now. For me it's a victory for my country, which is Britain,” said Farah, who has called Britain home since the age of eight. “It's nice to see all the athletes, no matter what (race) you are, competing and competing for your country. I'm proud of it.” Farah is now looking ahead to the Olympics in his homeland two years from now.

“Life is London,” Farah said. “Obviously my mind is on the Olympics now.” Farah's gold came after Jessica Ennis claimed the heptathlon with a new championship record points haul and David Greene won the 400-meter hurdles.