Bernard Lagat’s Amazing Victory, in 12 Photos
The 41-year-old made his fifth Olympics, and the effort and jubilation was all over his face.
The men’s 5,000 meters on Saturday evening featured oscillating paces and drastic lead changes. But 41-year-old Bernard Lagat had the lead at the only time it mattered—the finish line. After spending most of the race buried in the pack, Lagat timed his kick perfectly with the fastest lap of any runner all night: 52.82 seconds. His winning time was 13:35.50.
Here’s a look at Lagat’s race, and his joyous celebration at making his fifth Olympic team.
Sarah Lorge Butler is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World Health & Injuries, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
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