Matthew Centrowitz becomes first American in 108 years to win Olympic 1500m
Matthew Centrowitz, a second-generation Olympic runner, ran straight to the lead of the men's 1,500m on Saturday night in Rio, then spent the next four minutes holding off a field of 12 that included gold medalists and world champions while trying to chase down more than a century of elusivity and expectations.
Despite challenges on every straightaway and turn, Centrowitz, who grew up in Maryland, a few miles from Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, did the impossible and became the first American gold medalist in the metric mile since Mel Sheppard did it in London in 1908.
With about 200 meters left, reigning gold medalist Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria started his kick and looked completely in control of the race, as if passing Centrowitz would be a mere formality. But the former University of Oregon star stayed with him stride for stride and never relinquished the lead he'd grabbed so early, winning by 0.11 in a race in which first and fourth were separated by three-tenths of a second.
Centrowitz grew up in a running family — he followed in his dad's footsteps by running at Oregon and making the Olympics twice. His dad remains in the sport, coaching at American University, near where Centrowitz grew up, near Annapolis. When his son won, he "looked like a little kid," as the younger Centrowitz told Lewis Johnson during his post-race interview.
"Like Father, Like Son" #USA pic.twitter.com/pfs3bMTwRv
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 21, 2016
The U.S. was hardly the bridesmaid in the 1,500 either. Since 1952, the red, white and blue was only represented twice on the podium — by Jim Ryun in his famed 1968 performance and four years ago when Leonel Manzano pulled the feat.
(Getty Images)
Centrowitz finished fourth in 2012 and said he broke down in tears at the Olympic village after. He dedicated himself to being on the podium in Rio.
"I didn't ever dream of winning."
