Postcard From Beijing: Bernard Lagat
2008-08-18
Bernard Lagat
Track & Field
During the month of August, the world's best athletes will compete in the 2008 29th Olympiad in Beijing to take home the top spot in their respective sports. More than 200 countries will be represented by over 10,000 athletes competing for the gold, silver and bronze medals coveted by the participants who have spent years perfecting their game.
Ebonyjet.com is pleased to partner with NBC to provide daily reports directly from several athletes competing in Beijing. Check back daily for first-person perspective on life in the Olympic Village, daily workout regimens in preparation for their events, and their first (and last) impressions of Beijing.
I was in shock and disbelief at the end of the 1500m race, knowing in the back of my mind my chances were extremely slim to make it in on time, but with the hope that maybe I would just have to sneak into the finals. After what seemed like a year, and 10 people telling me conflicting things, I found out that I did not make it into the finals. But my dreams of Olympic Gold aren’t over yet!
At that point, I had to just regroup and find some space for myself. It's hard to accept that all the training and sacrifices of the past 4 years can end with being 0.02 seconds too slow!
I still do not think I believe it even today. My coach came to me and the look in his eyes were what made me realize that it was true, for the first time in my track and field career, I did not make a final.
After an hour or so, I met up with my wife and my son. It may not be fair to others when I say this, but my son is the best son in the world. He comes running to me screaming "Daddy number 1!" What else could I do but smile. My heart aches that I let so many people down, but my son can lift me up with just 3 words. How truly amazing.
I decided to have a quiet dinner with my family and some friends afterwards, not wanting to head back to the village and face reality. Family and friends are great, and although I let them down, they all still love and support me the same.
The positive out of all this is that I get some rest before the 5000m semis today (August 20th). My wife told me not to think so much, and just have some fun, and enjoy myself, and get my mind off track for a day. I did just that. I traded 2 pins in the village, took some pictures with Phelps and Ronaldinho, and gawked at Kobe Bryant. Wow I am such a wild one!
I really want to do well in the 5000m final on Saturday. So far, my body is responding well and I could tell from the race tonight that, I'm getting my sprint back!!
I'm looking forward to hanging out with Miika and Gladys tomorrow at Nike Hospitality here in Beijing. Since the day I missed to qualify for the 1500m finals, Miika has been constantly saying "Daddy Number 1." I take it for what Miika wants me to be. I'm not going to alter that phrase for any reason. When I get to the starting line on Saturday, I will be telling myself-- "Daddy is Number 1." I'll run like one, and win it for Miika.
Bernard is married to Gladys Tom. They have one son - Miika Kimutai Lagat.
Photo: NBC/USOC
Check out complete Olympic coverage at the official NBC Olympics website.
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