Michael Phillips
Friday January 25, 2008
The Guardian

Bernard Lagat wants to emulate Hicham El Guerrouj by winning the 1500m and the 5,000m at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Four years ago in Athens the Kenyan, who now runs for the US, was beaten in a thrilling 1500m final by El Guerrouj, who went on to win the 5,000m and equal the feat of Finland's Paavo Nurmi in Paris in 1924.Last year, in Osaka, Lagat became the first athlete to win both events in a world championship and he has all the credentials to join that exclusive Olympic club. "To win both in Beijing is something I would love to do," he said yesterday. "Winning one gold medal would be like a dream. When I ran the 1500m and 5,000m in Osaka it gave me a different look on how things are. It is not easy doing the double. It is also a great challenge that I have come through and have to keep trying it again. Hopefully I will not...