Lagat and the flag

He is a better AMERICAN then many of the people that post hurtfull and racist comments on this forum.

Serious? wrote:

He is a better AMERICAN then many of the people that post hurtfull and racist comments on this forum.

Best post I've read today!

Carnivore 69 wrote:

Looks like he has been hurt by the comments that he is not a "real" American, and he's doing all he can to show everyone where his loyalties lie.

Either that or he's genuinely proud to be an American.

he actually had to something to be an american, unlike most of us who were born into it. in fact, most immigres that become citizens are MUCH prouder to be americans than birth-righters. Lagat is such a breath of fresh air, just read the espn mag article linked from the awesome front page espn photo right now! www.espn.com

altitude camp wrote:

Carnivore 69 wrote:

Looks like he has been hurt by the comments that he is not a "real" American, and he's doing all he can to show everyone where his loyalties lie.

Either that or he's genuinely proud to be an American.

Either way, good for him.

there is a direct link to the espn article on his win. He is not on the front page when i sign on.

He defines what it means to be an American. This is a nation for all people seeking freedom and a decent, reasonable lifestyle.

Serious? wrote:

He is a better AMERICAN then many of the people that post hurtfull and racist comments on this forum.

Ain't that the truth. The guy actually had to pay his dues and EARN his citizenship. He did us proud.

just wanted to echo the sentiments already expressed. i really enjoyed lagat's efforts to emphasize that he was proud to run for the US today and they seemed completely genuine to me. his comments about webb and his apparent concern while watching webb's semifinal also say a lot about his character.

on a related note, the interviews i've seen with usain bolt and tyson gay this week have been equally refreshing.

there you go. that's all anyone needs to see

Lagat may have been born in Kenya. But he is more American than most who are born on this soil. Bernard is awesome.

I thought it was kind of disappointing that it took so long to get him a flag. The Kenyan guy only got 3rd and was immediately given a flag and started celebrating... in contrast, Lagat kept pointing at the USA on his vest and was obviously wanting to celebrate WITH the flag, but it took forever to get him one... almost as if nobody was expecting it. At major events like this, USATF (at least) should make sure they have a flag on hand for any potential medal winner.

Whatever the reason, it did take a long time to get him a flag, it was clear that he didn't want to celebrate without it.

Good job!

there's a couple more for ya. Look at the elation on his face.

"This is for the American people," he said. "When you're carrying this flag, it means a lot."

"I really accelerated at the end, because I really wanted it for America," he said.

Yea, that American deserved it today. He takes alot of heat, but continually runs well at championships. Good to see two americans out front, it was cool seeing them come off the corner in a final and having USA the first thing you see.

This is no doubt the thread of the day. Thanks for the refreshing posts!

Those pictures tell it all. He looks absolutely elated to have won the gold medal. Bernard Lagat is a tremendous athlete and a class act. Great job!

CONGRATULATIONS

I agree with all of the previous posts. It looked to me like he was asked "what flag?" and he showed his jersey and smiled!! What a genuine guy!

I am proud of and for him today! I hope he kicks some butt in the 5K!

great thread..after all the letsrun bashing of webb and lagat..like everyone else who has posted I was proud and excited to see both of them running at the front..well done and congrats