The Run Down: Bernard Lagat and Erica Moore take the Medal stand

Erica Moore, a new American
 middle distance star
(photo:TrackAndFieldPhoto)

The last day of the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships was a good one for two American runners in particular. The legend, Bernard Lagat, was victorious once again, while a new star was born in converted heptathlete, Erica Moore.

As the announcers ran through the list of competitors in the Men's 3000, it was obvious that Bernard Lagat was going to have his hands full to just make the medal stand. That wasn't what Lagat was thinking, as he did what he has done time and time again. He bided his time and worked to the front, at just the right time, to pass Kenya's Augustine Choge with 100 meters to go and take the 3000 victory. One of the best indoor runners of all time, this one was of Lagat's finest performances, especially amongst a field of this caliber. He will cherish this Gold Medal. Choge held on for the Silver and Edwin Soi held off Mo Farah for the Bronze. (Update: Soi was disqualified for infringement, but then reinstated after Kenyan appeal)

Golden God, Bernard Lagat

A bigger surprise was in the Women's 800, where the fledgling star, Erica Moore, took the field out hard from the gun and held on over the last straightaway for a hard fought Bronze Medal. Moore looked incredible even after she was passed over the last lap and held her form until the last 10 meters or so when gravity began to take over. She dove through the finish to hold off a hard charging Fantu Magiso for the Bronze and a new PR of 1:59.97. Kenya's Pamela Jelimo returned to form after a few awful years for the win, while the Ukraine's Nataliia Lupu took the Silver.

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