History is Made in the 1500m

By Scott Bush

The last time an American won Olympic gold in the men's 1500m was 1908. That's right, it's been over a century since an American won one of the most historic and entertaining events in the sport. Well, the history books were rewritten on Saturday evening in Rio, as Matthew Centrowitz ran a perfectly executed race to win gold over an stellar field in 3:50.00.

A slow early pace pushed Centrowitz, fellow American Ben Blankenship, Algeria's Taoufik Makhloufi and Ayanleh Souleiman to the front of the race. The pedestrian pace continued until the 800m mark when athletes started to shift into a higher gear. As the move was made, Kenya's Ronald Kwemoi was tripped up and fell, while Makhloufi and Asbel, the past two Olympic 1500m champions, got into a shoving match as each tried to gain position. 

At the bell, Centrowitz remained ahead of the pack in perfect position to avoid the contact going on behind him, while setting the pace for the rest of the field. On the final lap, with 300 meters to go, Kiprop pushed to take over the lead, but Centrowitz and New Zealand's Nick Willis held off the legendary middle distance runner. 

Into the final turn, Centrowitz continued to charge. Makhloufi started his break from the pack challenging Centrowitz, while Willis and Souleiman established themselves as the other medal contenders. With 30 meters to go it was clear Centrowitz would hold off the field and charged to the finish with a gold within grasp.

As Centrowitz crossed the line in first, he raised his arms then covered his mouth in disbelief. The Nike Oregon Project runner walked around in a daze, not knowing how to react, knowing he had made history but not sure how to present himself. The shock and pride continued on through his television press conference, through the media tent and onto the award stand - what a perfect evening for Matthew Centrowitz!

Results - Men's 1500m Final

3:50.00 - Matthew Centrowitz (USA)
3:50.11 - Taoufik Makhloufi (ALG)
3:50.24 - Nicholas Willis (NZL)
3:50.29 - Ayanleh Souleiman (DJO)
3:50.58 - Abdalaati Iguider (MAR)
3:50.87 - Asbel Kiprop (KEN)
3:51.06 - David Bustos (ESP)
3:51.09 - Ben Blankenship (USA)
3:51.39 - Ryan Gregson (AUS)
3:51.45 - Nathan Brannen (CAN)
3:51.68 - Ronald Musagala (UGA)
3:51.73 - Charlie Grice (GBR)
3:56.76 - Ronald Kwemoi (KEN)

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