Matt had a tough day once the leaders got going, and faded to 13th.
Here’s what he had to say right after the race: “I just didn’t have it. It was a slow first mile, and then they started going. At the mile we were 7 seconds off 12:55 pace, but he still ran 12:57. I’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ve got to get a lot stronger. I know I have the finish. Now I have to get close enough to use it. I have to work on the important part of the race, the first 3K. I hope to close the gap. I’m disappointed. I felt good. I thought I was ready to roll. They were messing around with the pace. It took a toll. It was tough. I might have forced myself too hard to cover the moves. I should have run more patiently to get back in it. I’ve got the anaerobic system. I can kick with gusto. I’ve got to get more miles in to get stronger, but I have to be smart about it. My coach and I have a plan. We’re going to switch things up a little next year.”
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:37 am
Matt,
You made your first Olympic final and now know what it will take the next time you step on that stage.
Light it up in Europe, I know you are in phenomenal shape and can possibly set some PR’s.
I am extremely proud of you, you are a champion.
JJ
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 am
Big Ben is callin & cant wait to see you in 4yrs… Great job!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
matt- it doesnt matter that you had a bad race, ethiopian and kenyan newspapers everywhere proclaimed you a threat…Matt Tegenkamp, world class threat to the east africans! you’ll come back man
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Matt,
As I slept last night, I was awakened several times, (nervous for you) and each time I awoke, I prayed to God asking Him to strenghten you, to keep you from injury, to remove nervousness, to help you stay focused, to let you have rest and to guide your way to the Gold. As the outcome is not what we had wished for, it only means the time was not in God’s time.
In Isaiah 40:4 it says “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken”
As I read this scripture, It became evident to me that everything has to be level for it to be revealed. It sounds like you had some bumps along your way. In God’s time that will become less.
I know you are disappointed and I encourage you to rest, let your heart not be weary. When it is to be your time, it will prevail.
You should be so proud that you made the qualifing rounds, I had to fight back tears when I heard that news. As I do now, realizing your disappointment.
Give time for the mountains to become a plain. Do not be discouraged. You are a fountain that has changed my life by just keeping up with you and your life. I’m so happy for this opportunity for you. I can’t even imagine a small percentage of the emotions you must feel.
Know that God is with you always and people all over this big world love you and support you every step of your journey.
May God bless you and keep you and your family safe.
Peace by with you,
Joy Walden
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Matt,
You have been such an inspiration to so many of us here in Lee’s Summit. You are truly our hometown hero. I can’t even IMAGINE being 13th in the WORLD! You are amazing!
Thank you so much for being a good role model for athletes everywhere. You are a class act.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Matt, hang in there and finish off your season on a positive note!!! We are so proud of you!!!!!