American Record. I don't think words can capture all of the feelings I have right now. It is joy, fulfillment, and gratitude. I cannot believe that just 12 years ago I only dreamed of this country...
Tonight's race in Armory was one of the greatest races of my life. It was a wonderful meeting of America's greatest distance runners and an amazing opportunity to chase after the World Championship Qualifying time of 13:15. But we didn't want to just stop there. When our second rabbit dropped out at 3000m I felt great and could taste the American record so close... we were perfectly on pace. I took the lead shortly after and started driving home. Through all of the pain and the struggle around the track I knew that this was a gift I really wanted to give back to my family and the American people who have supported me through this whole journey. And there was no better place to do this than in my Home state of New York!! With 3 laps to go I had to hit 31 seconds per lap or faster to break the record and thanks to the amazing crowds and support I came through the finish at 13.06.99!! A new PR by 5 seconds and a New American Record!
I want to say thank you to all of the amazing people who made this possible. First off, thank you to my coach and teammates who have put in all this hard work with me and were incredible competitors tonight. They drove me to these great achievements. Secondly, thank you to the Armory and NYRR for supporting us to come to New York to compete at this fantastic venue. Thirdly, thank you to the fans at the Armory and around the world who cheered me the whole way and were here to witness records broken tonight! Finally, thank you to my family who made this all possible and gave me a second chance in life so that I could line up on the starting line today and chase after dreams that were never possible before 2001. This American Record is dedicated to all of you!
Now time for a little celebration and down time :)
Click to WATCH THE RACE!
Tonight's race in Armory was one of the greatest races of my life. It was a wonderful meeting of America's greatest distance runners and an amazing opportunity to chase after the World Championship Qualifying time of 13:15. But we didn't want to just stop there. When our second rabbit dropped out at 3000m I felt great and could taste the American record so close... we were perfectly on pace. I took the lead shortly after and started driving home. Through all of the pain and the struggle around the track I knew that this was a gift I really wanted to give back to my family and the American people who have supported me through this whole journey. And there was no better place to do this than in my Home state of New York!! With 3 laps to go I had to hit 31 seconds per lap or faster to break the record and thanks to the amazing crowds and support I came through the finish at 13.06.99!! A new PR by 5 seconds and a New American Record!
I want to say thank you to all of the amazing people who made this possible. First off, thank you to my coach and teammates who have put in all this hard work with me and were incredible competitors tonight. They drove me to these great achievements. Secondly, thank you to the Armory and NYRR for supporting us to come to New York to compete at this fantastic venue. Thirdly, thank you to the fans at the Armory and around the world who cheered me the whole way and were here to witness records broken tonight! Finally, thank you to my family who made this all possible and gave me a second chance in life so that I could line up on the starting line today and chase after dreams that were never possible before 2001. This American Record is dedicated to all of you!
Now time for a little celebration and down time :)
Click to WATCH THE RACE!
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