Bernard Lagat won the 1,500 meter finals at the world championships in Osaka Japan yesterday… or was it today Japan time, or… ? Never mind. Point being, the victory was significant on two counts.
Firstly, it marked the first time an American won the 1,500 meters at a global event since Mel Sheppard won it at the 1908 Olympic Games.
(For a good stretch of time the near- equivalent distance “mile” was raced until its was phased out 20-30 years ago. Our crack research staff points out that Americans such as Jim Ryun, Steve Scott and Steve Prefontaine won international events when the mile was still ran. Regardless, this country’s showings in the middle distance events in recent years have been paltry).
Secondly, Lagat is a native Kenyan who became a U.S. citizen back in 2004.
Here is Lagat’s quote after the race: “This is a dream come true. I'm a champion for the United States of America.” “When you're carrying this flag, it means a lot, You're representing everybody, the victims of Katrina, everybody. Those who are serving in the war in Iraq. This is for everybody in the United States.”
Did you get that? His victory was for us… his fellow citizens and American brothers and sisters. Refreshing, huh? This dude gets it.
Congratulations, Bernard! Great to have you onboard. We are proud of your accomplishment and humbled by your sentiments.
Firstly, it marked the first time an American won the 1,500 meters at a global event since Mel Sheppard won it at the 1908 Olympic Games.
(For a good stretch of time the near- equivalent distance “mile” was raced until its was phased out 20-30 years ago. Our crack research staff points out that Americans such as Jim Ryun, Steve Scott and Steve Prefontaine won international events when the mile was still ran. Regardless, this country’s showings in the middle distance events in recent years have been paltry).
Secondly, Lagat is a native Kenyan who became a U.S. citizen back in 2004.
Here is Lagat’s quote after the race: “This is a dream come true. I'm a champion for the United States of America.” “When you're carrying this flag, it means a lot, You're representing everybody, the victims of Katrina, everybody. Those who are serving in the war in Iraq. This is for everybody in the United States.”
Did you get that? His victory was for us… his fellow citizens and American brothers and sisters. Refreshing, huh? This dude gets it.
Congratulations, Bernard! Great to have you onboard. We are proud of your accomplishment and humbled by your sentiments.
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