Fisher books place in Paris with US 10,000m win

Grant Fisher produced a superb surge over the final kilometer to claim the US 10,000m title in Eugene, Oregon on Friday night, booking his spot at his second Olympics. Fisher ran his final 1600m in a blazing 4:06.52 (65.60-62.32-60.49-58.12) to beat defending champion Woody Kincaid and clock 27:49.47.

“Last year, because my leg was hurting, I knew I couldn’t kick hard on it,” Fisher told Letsrun.com. “So I knew I had to press from a ways out, but I was almost doing it out of fear last year, whereas this year I was doing it out of confidence. I knew if I pressed with 1200 to go, no one could run a 1200 with me [tonight].”

It was also a good night for fellow Kimbia athlete Evan Jager, who coasted into the final of the 3000m steeplechase after finishing second in his heat in 8:27.07.

Josh Thompson advanced to the 1500m semi-finals after finishing seventh in his heat in 3:38.99. Elise Cranny advanced to the 5000m final after taking victory in her heat in 16:02.33, while she was joined there by Karissa Schweizer (second in her heat in 15:15.42) and Parker Valby (third in 15:17.56). Natosha Rogers missed out after finishing ninth in her heat in 16:28.16.

Michaela Mayer was in action in the 800m heats and finished eighth in 2:03.48, which was unfortunately not quick enough to advance to the semi-finals.

Image: Citius Mag