Athlete Spotlight: Meb's Moment
In his storied, decade-plus career, Meb Keflezighi has had many highlights including an Olympic silver medal in the marathon at Athens 2004 and a thrilling, U.S. drought-ending victory at the 2009 ING New York City Marathon, but his hometown triumph at the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll San Diego � Marathon on Sunday, June 5 also ranks highly in his collection of running moments.
Although his 1:02:40 in San Diego was nearly two minutes slower than his personal record, the performance was especially satisfying for Meb as he commented post-race: "It was wonderful to win in my hometown. It was my first time running here. Lots of people were calling my name. I saw my high school classmates. I recognized a lot of people."
He added, "My English teacher from high school once said I would run like the wind." The two fondly embraced just past the finish line.
At the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Houston, Keflezighi, 36, will be one of the expected contenders for the three coveted spots on Team USA. The Mammoth Track Club athlete is no stranger to success in Houston as he won the USA Half-Marathon title in 2009 (his return to racing after a near career-ending injury).
In November, the two-time Olympian will return to New York City to run the marathon and 10 weeks later on January 14, he will toe the line at the Olympic Trials. In 2004, the 20-time USA champion completed a similar "double" when the UCLA grad won the aforementioned silver medal in August and 10 weeks later he finished runner-up at the ING New York City Marathon.
In other words, don't count out Meb or his ability to rise to the moment. |