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Lagat Leads Rise In U.S. Credibility
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Officials and athletes said Lagat's presence in a U.S. uniform has forced other athletes to raise their expectations and performances. They also cite the host of professional running groups that have sprouted throughout the nation over the last decade, saying such groups allow talented distance runners to extend their careers.
"In the United States, there are so many pessimists, people who want to put up barriers and say that we can't compete with the African countries," Tegenkamp said. "I think that's just setting yourself up for failure. We've been thinking of medals since Day 1 of the season."
The race's plodding pace seemed to cater to Lagat's sprinting strength. With no one willing to lake the lead and push the tempo, the runners stayed bunched in a large pack, circling the track like a bunch of high schoolers. They passed the first 1,600 meters in 4 minutes 44.61 seconds.
Tegenkamp, a 2005 graduate of the University of Wisconsin who trains with a running group in Madison, clearly had his eye on a medal as he chased Lagat on the final lap and came off the final curve in sixth place. He then motored improbably past Tariku Bekele -- the little brother of the legendary Kenenisa Bekele -- and Great Britain's Mohammed Farah. Kipsiro, who had a sizeable lead, barely held him off.
"There was nothing else I could do," Tegenkamp said. "Maybe I should have dove across the line."
Lagat, who ran down the homestretch peering up at his own image on the Jumbotron screen, finished in 13:45.87. Kipchoge came in 13:46.00 and Uganda's Moses Ndiema Kipsiro claimed third in 13:46.75. Tegenkamp finished in 13:46.78 and fellow American Adam Goucher, the husband of Kara, finished 11th (13:57.17).
Lagat said he has been troubled for more than a year by stomach problems that have baffled his doctors and forced him to take medication that has sapped his strength, but the race pace gave him a shot of adrenalin. He said he felt confident he could out-think and then out-kick his rivals in the slow, technical affair.
"It means a lot to me," Lagat said. "I'll be setting an example for the younger ones in America. . . . There will be other kids born and raised in America that will do what I do."
