(PRINTWORDS NEWS) 104th Millrose Games created another history, as the eight time consistent champion of this event, Bernard Lagat, finally proved that his winning speed is not sufficient enough to combat the stormy disposition of Deresse Mekonnen, and the latter defeated the preceding champion to emerge as the new winner of the event, held at Madison Square Garden.
Deresse Mekonnen was the World indoor 1,500 meters champion, but no one could predict that he would even end up being the champion at the 104th Millrose Games.
The race was quite cut throat, and by the time, the two anticipating champions approached the finishing line, anxiety and tensions started oozing out amongst the audiences who were witnessing them running faster than the storm. The huge distance of 160-yard, was covered in 3:58.58 seconds by the new champion, and Bernard Lagat lagged behind by a negligibly small margin of 3:59.01.
According to many sources, Deresse Mekonnen is the new champion on the making, as he is young and energetic, coupled with a lot of potential and zeal to make it big. His achievement at the age of 23, definitely invites credit for him.
On the other hand, Bernard Lagat is 36, and his energy is on the process of degeneration. After the event, Deresse Mekonnen said that he performed much better than what he was expecting, as for the last six months he could not practice due to severe stomach pain.
On the other hand, Bernard Lagat was quite impressed with the new champion’s potential. He said that he gave Deresse Mekonnen three tries, but he retained his speed and position all through out the race to come out as the winner. He also added that he “tried his best, but lost to a great athlete” and so, he is not shameful about it.
