Sports
Annapolis' Matthew Centrowitz Wins Gold Medal in 1,500M at Rio Olympics
Matthew Centrowitz, a Broadneck High School graduate, won the first gold medal for the US in the 1500M since 1908.
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis native Matthew Centrowitz Jr. successfully fullfilled his quest for an Olympic medal, earning a gold in Saturday night's finals of the men's 1500-meter run, the end of a 100-year absence for the U.S. in the medal round of the race.
Centrowitz led the field through the first two laps, then fought off moves by Kenya’s Asbel Kiprop in the final lap and a home-stretch sprint byTaoufik Makhloufi from Algeria, the defending champion, says USA Today.
But Centrowitz held on for to win with a final time of 3:50, the slowest winning time in decades.
The Maryland native's win was the first gold medal in the event for the United States in 108 years.
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First U.S. gold medal in the 1500 meters since 1908! https://t.co/AiGkxYWKmV
— Forrest Lee Horn (@flhorn) August 21, 2016
Matthew Centrowitz wins first Olympic gold for U.S. in men’s 1500 meters race since 1908 - The Washington Post https://t.co/12Z9xpI3Lv
— Mike Serpe (@MikeSerpe) August 21, 2016
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 after Thursday's semifinal, according to the Baltimore Sun. “That’s how I like to go into these championships.”
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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 theAmerican 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
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