[WA_H2_H6 With two Beijing targets, Bernard Lagat is looking for a flying start in Glasgow, reports Duncan Mackay]
BERNARD LAGAT may have been born and raised in Kenya before switching his allegiance to the United States but he is a runner who is impressively clued up on the athletics history of his adopted nation.
A Running Legacy
"It was in 1908 the last time an American won the 1500 metres at the Olympics," he said last week after completing an early morning training run in the warm winter sun of Tucson in Arizona. "If another American were to win it 100 years later it would have a nice symmetry to it, don't you think?"
Mel Sheppard was the man who crossed the line first at White City all those years ago, one of three gold medals he won on the occasion London staged the Olympics for the first time. One of Sheppard's successors as Olympic 1500m champion was Paavo Nurmi, the first of the Flying Finns, who also won the 5000m at the same Games in Paris in 1924. It was a double that remained unbeaten for 70 years until Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj achieved it at the Athens Olympics. Finishing second in the 1500m was Lagat. He could have been forgiven for believing that he was always destined to play the bridesmaid, having won a bronze in Sydney four years earlier and the silver at the 2001 world championships. Those performances were all achieved in the red vest of Kenya but a swop to the red, white and blue of the US marked a dramatic change in fortunes.
After making the switch in 2004, Lagat had to serve a period of ineligibility and so was unable to compete in a major event until the world championships in Osaka where he wrote his name alongside Nurmi and El Guerrouj by winning both the 1500m and 5000m. "To be like Nurmi and El Guerrouj is amazing," said Lagat. "For me it didn't sink in that I had done such a good job for a while. It was a dream come true."
A Flying Start in Glasgow
At the age of 33, Lagat is now widely acknowledged as one of the sport's biggest stars. So it is something of a coup for Fast Track, organisers of the Norwich Union International at Kelvin Hall on Saturday, that Lagat has chosen to begin his Olympic preparations by running the 1500m in Glasgow.
Lagat is hoping that will be a good omen. He ran the corresponding meeting 12 months ago and won. "I'm excited to be running there again," he said. "I have very happy memories from last year."
From Farm to Track
For Lagat, running may have come easily but unlike many of his Kenyan colleagues, he did not see running as a way to grow rich and earn fame. Growing up on his family's farm in Kapsabet he ran a mile-and-a-half to school each morning, and back home again, but Lagat's heart was in his studies. It was not until he began studying at Jomo Kenyatta University College of Agriculture and Technology that he got serious about sport. He soon left the university for the US when he received a scholarship from Washington State, famous among Kenyans as the school where the great Henry Rono enjoyed the best period of his career. The school was seeking star African runners, hoping to raise the profile of middle-distance and distance-running in the United States. Lagat was seeking academic advancement.
"Education is important as it gives one something to lean back on, especially in this competitive world of athletics," Lagat said. "Life in the fast lane is very fast in today's world of athletics, and one is not assured of staying in the limelight too long. This is what I can tell my Kenyan brothers." He earned two degrees in Management Information System and Management Decisions in Science and married a Canadian woman.
Hotels for Athletes
Providing Comfort and Convenience
When athletes travel to compete in events, the choice of accommodation plays a vital role in their performance and overall experience. A well-rested and comfortable athlete is more likely to perform at their best. This is why having suitable hotels for athletes is crucial.
Prime Locations
Hotels located near event venues offer convenience, allowing athletes to minimize travel time and focus on their preparations. Proximity to training facilities also provides easy access for athletes during their training sessions.
Athlete-Friendly Amenities
Hotels catering to athletes often offer specialized amenities to meet their unique needs. These can include fitness centers, swimming pools, massage services, and specially designed menus offering nutritionally balanced meals. Additionally, having laundry facilities available is essential for athletes who need to regularly clean their training gear.
Quiet and Peaceful Environment
While athletes need access to various facilities, they also require a calm and peaceful environment to relax and recover. Good soundproofing and comfortable bedding can contribute to a good night's sleep, allowing athletes to wake up refreshed and ready to compete.
Supporting Athlete Wellness
Hotels can further support athlete wellness by offering spa and wellness services such as jacuzzis, saunas, and massage therapists who specialize in sports recovery. These services help athletes relax and alleviate any muscle soreness or tension they may experience.
Conclusion
Having suitable accommodation is vital for athletes' performance and well-being during competitions. By offering convenient locations, athlete-friendly amenities, and a peaceful environment, hotels can contribute to athletes' success on and off the field.
Manchester
Edinburgh
New York
- Cheap Hotels In New York City
- Hotels In Brooklyn New York
- New York Hotels Manhattan
- Trendy Hotels New York