Lagat Takes 3000m Gold At World Indoor Champs

He defeated Mo Farah and a group of Kenyans.

Even though he’s 37 years old, there seems to be no stopping Bernard Lagat. The former Kenyan, who is now an American citizen beat the best the world has to offer in the 3000m at the World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey last weekend.

Lagat’s winning time was seven minutes 41.44 seconds.

Augustine Choge of Kenya took second in 7:41.77, while Edwin Soi, also of Kenya finished third in 7:41.78.

Lagat was able to win the race thanks to his trademark kick.

“It is not dying away,” he said of the kick despite his 37 years of age.

Lagat admitted afterwards that he knew the quick and younger Kenyans would set the pace early on, so he stuck with them, knowing they’d put on a surge with one lap to go. He said he thought to himself: “I am going to stay here because those guys are strong.”

British rival Mo Farah ended up settling for fourth.

Meanwhile in the women’s 800m, Pamela Jelimo of Kenya redeemed herself with a gold medal in 1:58.83. Jelimo had been struggling with persistent injuries for over a year.

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