Sir Mo Farah has unexpectedly confirmed he will return to track athletics for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

After competing over the marathon since the 2017 World Athletics Championships, the 36-year-old will now make an attempt to retain the 10,000-metre Olympic crown he won in 2012 and 2016.

"After Chicago, I decided to take a nice break with my family," Farah explained on his YouTube channel. "I really enjoyed it and it's been nice to compete in the marathon over the last few years.

"To win the Chicago marathon as a major marathon, that was nice, and to finish third in the London marathon, that was ok, that was good. It's been great to run a British record and European record.

"But next year for Tokyo 2020, I've decided I'm going to be back on the track. I'm really excited to be competing back on the track and giving it a go in the 10,000m.

Farah makes his return

"Hopefully I haven't lost my speed, but I will train hard for it and see what I can do."

It's a decision that seems to make a lot of sense. Farah has achieved great things over 26.2 miles, but we're talking about an athlete who wants to be topping the podium and nothing less.

It looks as though Eliud Kipchoge will be hoping to retain his Olympic title next year and therefore, it would appear highly unlikely that Farah would have been in with a shot of victory.

Furthermore, his last marathon appearance at the 2019 Chicago race was a disappointing one, crossing the line more than four minutes slower than his 2018 time in eighth place.

Controversy lingers

The news also arrives on the back of Alberto Salazar's four-year ban from athletics for doping violations and the subsequent disbanding of the Nike Oregon Project.

While no allegations have been lodged against Farah specifically, Ukad have confirmed that British athletes who trained under the regime in Eugene will be investigated.