Annapolis' Matthew Centrowitz Runs for Medal in 1,500M Final at Rio Olympics

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis native Matthew Centrowitz Jr. continued on pace in his quest for an Olympic medal, earning a spot in Saturday night's finals of the men's 1500-meter run.

On Thursday, the reigning world indoor champion clocked a time of 3 minutes, 39.61 seconds in his semifinal heat.

“I’m feeling a little better every round,” he said, according to the Baltimore Sun. “That’s how I like to go into these championships.”

The Broadneck High School graduate won the men’s 1500 meters last month at the Olympic trials to land a spot on his second Olympics team, this time competing in the Rio 2016 games.

Centrowitz, 26, set an Olympic Trials record of 3:34.09, reports WTOP. He finished fourth in the event at the 2012 Olympics in London.

"You know, I was .04 away last Olympics,'' Centrowitz said after his Olympics trials win, reports the Capital-Gazette. "I'm more fit, stronger than I was. I just have to stay healthy and put myself in good position.''

His father, Matt Centrowitz Sr., was a member of the 1976 and 1980 Olympic teams and is now the head coach of the American University track team.

The younger Centrowitz won a bronze medal at the 2011 World Outdoor Championships. The former University of Oregon Duck turned pro after 2011 and holds school records in the 1,500m and distance medley relay, according to USA Track and Field.

The games run through Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
»Photo of Matthew Centrowitz Jr., from Team USA/Flickr