The British star won gold in the 5,000m at the World Championships in South Korea with a devastating sprint finish to see off Ethiopia’s Dejen Gebremeskel and America’s Bernard Lagat.
Farah, 28, also broke three British and two European records in the last 12 months to confirm his status as the greatest male endurance runner to represent this country.
He also claimed silver in the 10,000m at the World Championships after narrowly missing out to Ethiopian ace Ibrahim Jeilan.
And Farah insists scooping the Sports Personality prize tonight — ahead of favourite Mark Cavendish — would be the perfect end to a momentous year.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport after launching the Mo Farah Foundation to help relieve suffering in Somalia, he said: “Winning Sports Personality of the Year would mean the world to me.
“I have watched the programme every year for as long as I can remember and it is one of the top accolades for any British sportsman or woman.
“I hope the British public remember my achievements and vote for me tonight.
“I always watched the awards when I was growing up.
“I remember David Beckham winning it in 2001 — that was a big inspiration. And of course Paula Radcliffe winning it the year after.”
Farah goes into next year’s London Olympics as a leading contender for gold at 5,000 and 10,000m.
And he intends to emulate the double success Kelly Holmes enjoyed on the track at the Athens Games in 2004.
Farah added: “To win two gold medals in athletics in an Olympic Games is a magnificent achievement.
“Medals in athletics are extremely tough to win because there are so many countries taking part.
“But winning a medal in distance running is even harder.”
Farah cites his heroics in Daegu as the highlight of his career. But he is determined to add to his medal haul with another gold next summer.
He said: “Nothing compares to winning the gold medal in the World Championships. Standing on the podium and hearing the national anthem was a very special moment.
“I came close to getting two gold medals but was pipped in the 10,000.
“To come back a few days later and win the 5,000 was amazing.
“But although I have had a great year, the Olympic Games is the most special competition for any athlete.
“I hope my progress will continue, with 2012 my best year to date.”
Farah has another, highly personal goal.
He said: “I want to use my profile as world champion and hopefully Olympic gold medallist to raise as much money as possible.
“More than 3.2million people need life-saving assistance. Children sleep on floors — many are starving.
“What I saw touched me and because everyone is aware of me, I hope I can do something that others can’t.
“I want to get aid to the hardest-hit areas, including the south, which is a very dangerous place. I want to do something.”
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C66Mge2EbaI[/tube]
