Bernard Lagat

Bernard Lagat, born December 12, 1974, in Kapsabet, Kenya, is a Kenyan-American former middle and long-distance runner. With a personal best of 3:26.34 in the 1500 meters, he is the Kenyan record holder in the event and the second fastest 1500-meter runner of all time, behind only Hicham El Guerrouj.

Lagat enjoyed an extraordinarily long career, competing in five Olympic Games from 2000 through 2016. He initially represented Kenya before becoming a US citizen and went on to break American records in the 1500 meters, mile, 3000 meters, and 5000 meters. A thirteen-time medalist at the World Championships and Olympics combined, he won five gold medals across those competitions. Remarkably, at the age of 41, he finished fifth in the 5000-meter final at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Following his competitive career, Lagat transitioned into coaching and is now the head cross country coach and an assistant track and field coach at the University of Arizona.