Posted: May 13, 2005

Athletics: Webb: Lagat Will Be 'A Great Leader'

From David Monti

(c) 2005 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By Bob Ramsak

While the circumstances surrounding Bernard Lagat's recent gaining of U.S. citizenship have stirred considerable debate, one person welcoming the news is the runner who preceded the Olympic silver medallist as the country’s top miler: Alan Webb.

"I was happy to hear that Bernard had officially become a U.S. citizen," said the 22-year-old Webb, last year's U.S. Olympic Trials champion. Echoing many of the sentiments Lagat acknowledged when announcing his decision, Webb added, "But since he has lived in the U.S. so long, gone to an NCAA college, and been a friend to me, he has been an American all along."

Webb, who defeated the former Kenyan once in their four meetings on the track since 2003, said that he envisions nothing but a positive impact from Lagat's entry into the U.S. ranks.

"Bernard's success will add a great deal to the uprising of young U.S. middle distance runners. He will be a great leader for myself and others to show how fast it is possible to run."

Even prior to Lagat's decision to become a U.S. citizen, Webb said his rival’s impact on him personally was a strong one.

"Even last summer when I was running in my first races on the European circuit, it was nice to have Bernard in a lot of those races as a friendly face and good example."

After Webb defeated Lagat in the 1500 meters last June at the Golden Spike Super Grand Prix, in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Lagat said he was very impressed with the young American.

"He looked really good and felt confident," Lagat said a few days after their Ostrava race. "You know, that boy is going to have a good, good future. He's one of those guys that you never underestimate."

The only certainty about their next meeting on the track is that it won’t come at the U.S. national championships next month. Since Lagat is not eligible for a spot on the U.S. team, he will not be allowed to run in the national team selection meet. The two may however cross paths at the Nike-sponsored Prefontaine Classic on June 4. The field in the men’s mile has yet to be announced, but Webb, the defending champion, confirmed that he will be racing in Eugene, while Lagat is sponsored by Nike.