Matt Tegenkamp made sure he would be in Saturday’s 5,000m final by winning his heat today in Beijing. Matt was in the first of three heats, with only four automatic qualifiers from each heat advancing to the final. Knowing that he couldn’t leave it up to chance, Matt ran a beautiful tactical race, covering every move by the lead pack but staying out of trouble toward the back. He squeezed past the others on the homestraight to take the heat in 13:37.36. Matt’s last kilometer was just under 2:29.
Matt’s immediate post-race thoughts: “It was a little tense out there for a long time. I didn’t feel confident until we started running hard the last 800. Before then, there was just so much pushing and jostling around. My family hates it when I run in the back like that but it’s the most comfortable place for me. I can stay out of trouble and keep my eyes on the front of the back. The last 800 was awesome. I felt great. I had gears coming down the final stretch. I’ve been working on my kick, and I’m confident in it now. Not that anyone should put a lot of stock in the finish of this race. Everyone was just trying to save energy for the final. I’m going to run the exact same race in the final. There’s no way I have the ability to get out there and run away from these guys, so I have to believe in my kick and try to be there when someone makes the big move. I have total confidence in my coach Jerry Schumacher. He put together a great long-range plan. At this point I’m feeling very fresh.”
August 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Well done Matt. Everything is setting up nicely for you. Best of luck in the final. Give everything you have!!!
August 20th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Matt, that was beautiful; great job and best of luck in the final
August 20th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Matt, we are all watching and cheering for you and Bernard. You can’t imagine how happy it made me this morning to get up and check results and see that you both won your heats.
You guys are awesome!
So, you achieved two huge goals: 1) made the team; 2) made the final.
Now what?
I watched you run 8:07 in Eugene for 2 miles. It looks like you’re ready for something special like that again.
Best of luck to you and Bernard.
August 20th, 2008 at 9:33 am
GREAT job Matt and good luck in the final. We all rooting for you back her at Country Companies in Illinois!!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Matt,
Phenomenal execution!!!! Trust Jerry and your fitness level, you are ready for this final.
Everyone is pulling for you.
Champions.
JJ
August 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Congrats on making the final Matt! Adam and I are cheering you on.
August 20th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Nice buddy! I had to go in to Mountain Ridge this morning before 6 to see the race online, but well worth it! Good luck on Saturday! I am having a watch party with my athletes Saturday morning before our time trial. I figure that should get them good and pumped up before they run!
Dalby
P.S. My mom sent me 4 more shirts….what am I supposed to do with all of these????
August 20th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Congrats on the great race Matt and best of luck in the final! Laura are I are pulling for you. Think of us as number one fans from Brooklyn!
Hunter
August 21st, 2008 at 8:11 am
Dalby, autograph them Teg and give them out to your team!
August 21st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Awesome Race Matt. Congrats!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Can someone please comment on what website we can get the live feed on Saturday? We tried numerous sites on Wednesday, but were unsuccessful. Thanks.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:53 am
or Dalby…send me one…i didn’t make it to Hy-vee
oh, and Matt have a blast in the FINAL!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 am
Matt, I hope you win the gold.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Matt,
Hold Dave Bryant in your heart and all things are possible