Interview with Bernard Lagat

By Stuart Calderwood

Bernard Lagat, unfailingly polite, relaxed, and accommodating, talked to well-wishers and reporters in the aftermath of his sixth Wanamaker Mile victory at the Millrose Games in New York City. The scene has become familiar at Millrose, but no one seems to mind—except perhaps other world-class milers who might like a chance at something other than second place. Lagat's victory in 3:57.51, again thwarting Craig Mottram’s attempt to nullify his famous finish, put him one win away from matching the seven Wanamaker Mile titles won by the man still considered the greatest of all indoor milers, Ireland’s “Chairman of the Boards,” Eamonn Coghlan.

On his win over Mottram: “With six laps left, he started going. I wanted to take the lead with two laps to go. I was able to get by him, and then…”

On the extra-small, 145-meter Millrose track: “You have to love this track. I have experience here now, but I had to learn the curves. It’s hard for many others, but I love it now.”

On returning to Millrose (feigning formality, as if anyone expected him to miss next year’s race): “I now confirm my participation next year—it’s official. I will be the first to commit.”

On what brings him back year after year: “The support of the fans. The way they cheer here…it’s incredible. And when the lights go down, and they sing the National Anthem, and then they announce it—‘Ladies and gentlemen…the Wanamaker Mile!’—I always get excited.”

On preparing for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, to be held in Eugene, OR, beginning on June 27: “I have to run a 5000. I still have to qualify, you know? I don’t have a time yet, so I may run the 5000 at Stanford.” [Lagat is expected to double in the 1500 meters and 5000 meters at the Trials.]

On the recent strife in his home country of Kenya: “My family and friends are okay. They’re all over there, my dad, my mom, my sisters, and my brothers. But it’s not easy when a country is not at peace.”

On possibly racing in the Armory Track and Field Center in upper Manhattan: “That’s a great place to run. I love my workouts there. I always do the same workout there before Millrose—three 600s in about 1:23. It’s a really fast track. Sure, I’d like to run in a meet there. But I really come here for the Millrose Games.”

On his rivalry with Coghlan: “He is the Chairman of the Boards. If I win next year, maybe I can be named Co-Chairman of the Boards. And if I win again…I will be the President of the Boards!”

Interview conducted February 1, 2008, and posted February 7, 2008.