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.”
Well done Matt. Everything is setting up nicely for you. Best of luck in the final. Give everything you have!!!
Matt, that was beautiful; great job and best of luck in the final
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.
GREAT job Matt and good luck in the final. We all rooting for you back her at Country Companies in Illinois!!
Matt,
Phenomenal execution!!!! Trust Jerry and your fitness level, you are ready for this final.
Everyone is pulling for you.
Champions.
JJ
Congrats on making the final Matt! Adam and I are cheering you on.
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????
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
Dalby, autograph them Teg and give them out to your team!
Awesome Race Matt. Congrats!
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.
or Dalby…send me one…i didn’t make it to Hy-vee
oh, and Matt have a blast in the FINAL!!
Matt, I hope you win the gold.
Matt,
Hold Dave Bryant in your heart and all things are possible
I was on the bandwagon of of lebron in cleaveland. I am having a tough time watching him on the heat…his biggest flaw is he tries to do too much