Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills was filled with pride on Thursday night as his son, George Mills, broke the British 5000m record at the 2025 Oslo Diamond League, delivering a sensational performance on the international stage.
George clocked an astonishing 12:46.59 at the Bislett Stadium to beat Sir Mo Farah’s previous British best of 12:53.11 which had stood since 2011.
The 26-year-old showcased both patience and power in a stacked field. Unfortunately ,he was passed in the final 400m- finishing fourth. Nico Young of The United States came through to win in a personal best of 12 minutes 45.27 seconds.
However, Danny Mills who represented England at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed a storied Premier League career, took to Instagram shortly after the race to celebrate his son’s achievement. “Proud beyond words. British 5000m record holder.”
Having initially made his name in the 1500m, George has steadily adapted to the longer 5000m. His record-breaking run in Norway signals that he’s not just finding his stride, he’s making history.
After smashing the record, George Mills said of his own record run. “The national record was definitely one of the things I came for.
“The race was stacked and billed as a world record attempt, so to be in the mix was important. My target for the season is a global medal and this shows I am in the right space.”
Sir Mo Farah
Sir Mo Farah had held the British 5000m record for 14 years. He set a time of 12 minutes and 53 seconds at a Diamond League meeting in Monaco in July 2011.
Meanwhile, Mills who represented Team GB in the 1500m at the Olympics in Paris last year, has also become the second-fastest European of all time. This is after Spain’s Mohamed Katir broke Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s record. This came in 2023 with a time of 12 minutes and 45 seconds.
Furthermore, Mills continues to impress this season. He won silver in the 3000m at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in March and gold in the 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics Championships in February.