Kenya-born Bernard Lagat, who is now representing the United States, beat the defending champion Rashid Ramzi from Bahrain in men's 1,500m final of world athletics championships in Osaka on Wednesday.

 

Lagat won the gold with a time of three minutes 34.77 seconds. Ramzi finished second in 3:35.00, and Kenya's Shedrack Kibet Korir got the bronze with 3:35.04.

 

"I have waited so long for that medal," said Lagat, "I am going to inspire a lot of people in America and Kenya. My medal is for the United States and everyone in America."

 

Lagat, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist of 32-year-old, holds the national records of both his native Kenya and adopted US in 3:26.34 and 3:29.30, respectively.

 

Ramzi was very disappointed. "The shape was there but I failed tactically. I didn't make my moves at the right time, neither with 400m to go when (American Alan) Webb and (Kenyan Asbel) Kiprop blocked the way in front nor in the last home straight," said the double champions of 800m and 1,500m in 2005 world championships.

 

He was the first man who won a global 800m and 1,500m double since Peter Snell from New Zealand won the two in 1964 Olympic Games.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2007)