Mo Farah now knows first-hand the difference between the glory of gold and the sorrow of silver – just three tenths of a second.

Farah's 10,000m silver at the World Championships is unchartered territory for a Brit or European for that matter, rewarding his decision to 'go west' and move his family to the USA, where he now works with renowned coach Alberto Salazar.

When he crossed the Atlantic and relocated to Oregon in the spring, he said that the move would make the one-percent difference he needed to break Africa's stronghold and win a major medal at global level.

And upon arrival in Daegu there appeared reason behind the rhetoric. On the start-line, or indeed in the world, there was no-one quicker over 10,000m but while Farah now has a major international medal around his neck, gold remains frustratingly elusive.

Farah seemed to get his tactics spot on, kicking away from his rivals with 500m to go after defending champion Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia dropped out midway through the race.

But Ethiopia's Ibrahim Jeilan was even quicker than the double European champion, overhauling the British athlete in the closing 10 metres to snatch victory from Farah’s grasp.

"I saw him on the big screen closing me down but my legs just couldn't give me anymore," said Farah, who clocked 27:14.07 minutes.

"I just couldn’t quite believe it when he came past. I didn’t have a clue about the guy, I haven’t seen him all year so I didn’t know what he could do and what he’s capable of.

"To tell you the truth, with 300m to go I thought I had it. I was looking at the screen and thinking there are enough gaps there, just hold it, just hold it.

"And then with 100m to go I see the guy on my shoulder and I was just like ‘wow, try and relax’ but there was nothing there.

"As an athlete it’s disappointing to finish second because you want a gold medal, it’s something you’ve worked hard for.

"But it’s nice to win a medal, a major medal; it’s something I’ve never done so in a way I’ve got to take something positive from this race."

Farah may yet leave Daegu with a gold medal around his neck should his powers of recovery stretch to doubling up in the 5000m on Sunday.

Bekele has proved that at major competitions the double can be achieved, winning gold in both events at the 2009 World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Farah admits his 10,000m silver has fuelled his golden desires.

“I’ve not thought about the 5000m yet, I’ve got a few blisters so I need to see the medical team,” added Farah – who prepared for the World Championships at a training camp funded by Aviva – supporters of British athletes since 1999.

“I would like to run it. Getting silver does give you something to work for the 5000m but it just depends on how I come off. I’ll make a final decision in a couple of days’ time.”

Mo Farah has been selected for the Aviva GB&NI Team at the World Championships in Daegu, Korea. Aviva's support, both at home and abroad, is helping the team prepare to compete at their best. To find out more, go to aviva.co.uk/athletics or follow us on Twitter @AvivaAthletics