EUGENE (06-Jun) -- With rousing performances in front of nearly 22,000 spectators at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, Bernard Lagat and Shannon Rowbury convincingly won their respective 1500m races on the final day of the U.S. Olympic Trials here today and will lead the U.S. middle distance teams to the Beijing Olympics.
Lagat, who had already won the 5000m final last Monday, showed both his mastery of tactics and superior finishing speed by winning a tactical race today in 3:40.37. A slow opening lap of just 61.42 seconds in windy conditions essentially killed the chances of any of the athletes who did not have the Olympic Games "A" standard of 3:36.60 of making the team. Nonetheless, one of those athletes, 2000 Olympian Gabe Jennings, went to the front just before the 400m mark to try to pick up the pace. The pack strung out a little, but there was a lot of contact between the athletes.
"I knew if I got boxed in it's not good news," Lagat explained of the early stages of the race.
Lagat was running in the lead with Jennings, trying to stay out of trouble, and the 800m mark was passed in a sluggish 2:00.70. It was setting up to be a classic kicker's race, and getting good position became the contenders' top focus.
"I knew I had to stay up front and fight for position and go for it on the last homestretch," said NCAA champion Leo Manzano. "You can have the best kick in the race, but if you don't have position you're not going to go anywhere."
But Lagat was indeed going somewhere, and getting there quickly. Rounding the final bend he accelerated away from the pack with ease to cap a 54.9 second lap, beating Manzano, by about a half a second.
"My coach told me that there was no pressure, that I can run with anything that develops," said Lagat. "The goal was to just stay out of trouble. We almost had it happen today, but we were able to get out of it."
Lopez Lomong, running his sixth race of these championships, got third despite running on a bad ankle. "I'm dreaming right now," said Lomong, one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan who found refuge in the United States seven years ago. "I was dreaming the whole time: Olympics, Olympics, Olympics for the United States." He added: "This is a country that I absolutely love."
Also kicking for a podium spot was U.S. mile record holder Alan Webb, the fastest 1500m runner in the world last year. He seemed to have good position on the outside in the homestretch, but could not match Manzano's or Lomong's sprint, covering his final 400m in 56.1 seconds. Understandably upset with his fifth place finish, he did not stop to speak with the press.
ROWBURY ROCKETS TO VICTORY
Shannon Rowbury confirmed her #1 U.S. ranking with a commanding victory over her training partner Erin Donohue, 4:05.48 to 4:08.20. Like the men's race, the early pace was anemic, which played right into Rowbury's and Donohue's hands since they already had the Olympic Games "A" standard of 4:07.00.
"When we came through (400m in) 68 and (800m in) 2:15 I was feeling pretty good about that," said Donohue causing Rowbury to erupt in laughter.
With about a lap and one half to go, Rowbury accelerated and the race for first was over in just a few meters. She was never threatened.
"I didn't expect to be the favorite and I am just happy with how the year went and with the training," said Rowbury matter of factly. "I have always had confidence in myself."
Donohue was able to pass Wurth for second, but the former Arkansas Lady Razorback was thrilled to make her first Olympic team for coach Lance Harter, finishing in 4:08.48.
"I think the nerves got me a little bit today," said Wurth showing reporters her girlish smile. "But I feel confident. I'm ready for Olympics and I'm trying to make the final. That's the main goal right now."
For 16 year-old Jordan Hasay, her storybook Olympic Trials ended with a tenth place finish in a field of 12. The 2007 IAAF World Youth Championships silver medalist at 1500m will leave tomorrow for Poland where she will compete in the IAAF World Junior Championships. Her first heat is Thursday.
"I just wanted to have fun and race as best as I could," said Hasay who seemed amused by all the attention she was getting. "Time didn't matter because I already got the high school record (in the semi-final). Place didn't matter; I already made the final. I just wanted to have fun and enjoy the experience."
Many of the athletes who competed in these Trials will return to Eugene next year for the AT&T USA Outdoor Championships. Eugene will also host the 2012 Olympic Trials.
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