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Faces in Races: Lagat, Teg, Solinsky and Curtis Look to Dominate Men’s 5000m

Posted June 30th, 2008 at 8:00 AM by Jared Markowitz

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics

The men’s 5000m features several potential Beijing medalists and is one of the most wide-open events of the 2008 US Olympic Trials. Again the A standard will be in play, as seven finalists have run 13:21.50 or better (Tegenkamp, Solinsky, Asmeron, Lagat, Vaughn, Dobson, Riley) in the qualifying window. The US Olympic team will be comprised of the top three finishers who have attained the A standard, either in the final or in a previous race. This sets up a dynamic where the aforementioned men can run for place while the rest of the field needs to ensure an honest pace. With several studs who have not yet achieved the A standard and the impressive list of those who have, the men’s 5000m final promises to be one of the most exciting races of the 2008 US Olympic Trials.

Velow we take a closer look at four of the favorites in this race: Bernard Lagat, Matt Tegenkamp, Chris Solinsky, and Bobby Curtis. To reward readers who get to the end of this article there will be some poorly thought out, undoubtedly biased, and completely unofficial picks for this showdown.

Bernard Lagat

Double world gold medalist Bernard Lagat should be the class of the field in both the1500m and the 5000m at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. Lagat was born and raised in Kenya, but came to the US to pursue his collegiate studies at Washington State University (Wazzou to some). Lagat graduated from WSU in 2000 and quickly established himself as one of the world’s premier milers. Bernard represented his native Kenya in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, winning bronze and silver in the 1500 as well as a silver in that event at the 2001 World Championships. In 2004 Lagat became a naturalized US citizen and endured a waiting period that caused him to miss the 2005 World Championships. Since his return to competition Lagat earned the American Record in the 1500m as well as gold in both the 1500m and 5000m at last summer’s World Championships. Lagat’s coach James Li has Bernard on a relatively low mileage, quality-based program that has the runner still dominating at age 33. He is unbeaten this year, extremely confident, and among the favorites for the 1500m and 5000m in Beijing.

The Wisconsin Contingent: Matt Tegenkamp and Chris Solinsky

Former University of Wisconsin teammates Matt Tegenkamp and Chris Solinsky are among the group of Americans with the A standard who hope to punch their tickets to Beijing with strong performances in tonight’s final. “Teg” got his start in running with multiple Missouri state championships but suffered through an injury-plagued college career at UW. Teg’s breakthrough came shortly after his graduation in 2005 when coach Jerry Schumacher adjusted his training routine. He ran 13:04.9 for 5000m in 2006 and followed that up with the American 2-mile record (8:07.07) and a fourth place showing in the 5000m at that 2007 World Championships. He is one of the favorites to make the team along with his current training partner, Chris Solinsky. Solinsky was a Foot Locker cross country national champion in high school and dominated the Wisconsin high school ranks before moving staying instate for his college career. He won multiple NCAA championships in the 3000m (indoor) and 5000m (outdoor) before graduating and turning pro last year.

For a closer look at Matt and Chris’s training and life in Madison, check out Matt Taylor’s documentary at http://www.kimbia.net/ .

Bobby Curtis

Recent Villanova grad and reigning NCAA 5000m champ Bobby Curtis is one of several runners without the A standard who nonetheless have a legitimate chance to make the Olympic team. Curtis began his running career as a high school standout at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky where he won a total of 19 state championships. From there, Bobby signed with Villanova to train with legendary coach Marcus O’Sullivan. He initially struggled at ‘Nova due to insomnia, but roared back to earn multiple All-American certificates. This year he finished fourth at the NCAA cross country championships and won the NCAA 5000m with a tremendous kick over Colorado star Brent Vaughn. He recently graduated with degrees in finance and economics and will compete on the European circuit this summer.

So how will this showdown play out? First of all, the weather looks decent but not great (mid-60s with 65% humidity) for the 9:40pm PDT start time. This should be cool enough for those who don’t have the A standard to attempt what is now known as “The Begley.” Out of that group look for Adam Goucher to display his testicular fortitude as well as perhaps Bobby Curtis and Josh Rohatinsky. Curtis has the best kick of those three, so if he can hang onto a brisk pace he has a good shot to make the team. However, you have to figure that the Big Guns (Lagat and The Wisconsin Contingent) will be prepared to run fast and maintain order. Lagat, Teg, and Solinsky are the logical choices but I’m going to go with my heart and say Lagat, Solinsky, and Goucher. Teg should probably make the team and Curtis has a legitimate shot, but I’m going to take Lagat for the win and Goucher for “The Begley.”