Michael Phelps, the billion dollar man? Aug 14, 2008
Phelps is already the epitome of the modern American corporate Olympian with the Phelps Machine in full swing before he topped the record nine gold tally held by Spitz and Carl Lewis, Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina. Phelps, who became a professional swimmer at 16 and a millionaire by 18, has sponsors, agents, lawyers, accountants, charities, his own website in English and Chinese, and even his own logo with a wave-like blue M and red P over his name. (India Times)
* SWIMMING: Phelps swims into record books Aug 14, 2008
A day after etching his name alongside Mark Spitz and Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina with gold No. 9, Phelps claimed the record all to himself when he won the 200m butterfly yesterday morning. An hour later, he returned to swim the leadoff of a runaway victory by the US 800 freestyle relay team, which shattered the old mark by more than four seconds. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Kitajima completes Olympic breaststroke sweep Aug 14, 2008
Those were the 10th and 11th gold medals of Phelps' career, leaving Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina behind ... Those were the 10th and 11th gold medals of Phelps' career, leaving Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina behind. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
CAZENEUVE: Is Phelps best ever? Aug 14, 2008
PAAVO NURMI, FINLAND, TRACK & FIELD (9 GOLD MEDALS, 12 TOTAL MEDALS). Nurmi should be No, 1 because of the sheer volume of meters he ran in winning multiple distance races, something no athlete attempts these days, and also because his career was unfairly cut short when the IOC declared him a professional before the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was due to run the 10,000 meters and the marathon. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Two more wins puts Phelps atop medal leader board Aug 14, 2008
He arrived at the Water Cube this morning tied at nine with these luminaries: swim legend Mark Spitz, U.S. track star Carl Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the most gold medals of all time. Everyone on hand, including Dream Team members Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, witnessed a slice of Olympic history. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Gold Rush: Phelps Winningest Olympian Aug 14, 2008
At the age of 23, it took Michael Phelps just five days in Beijing to surpass American track star Carl Lewis, American swimmer Mark Spitz, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi to become the winningest Olympian in history. The U.S. swimmer becomes the winningest Olympian ever with 11 gold medals. (ABC News)
Michael Phelps: A Real GOAT Aug 14, 2008
He now has five gold meals in these Olympics, and 11 in his career, moving past Mark Spitz, U.S. track and field legend Carl Lewis, ex-Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina, and Finish distance runner Paavo Nurmi for the all-time record. In the end, "The Flying Finn" was struck from the book by a guy with fins. (Time.com)
Tanimoto Takes Gold in Judo; Noguchi Withdraws From Marathon: Olympic Wrap Aug 13, 2008
Phelps would move ahead of , , Paavo Nurmi and Larissa Latynina with a victory today in the 200-meter butterfly, an event in which he holds the world record, or the 800 freestyle relay. There will be 17 gold medals awarded today. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Phelps has perfected art of perfection Aug 13, 2008
" The English language is running out of words to describe just how good Michael Phelps is at this swimming thing. On Wednesday, he swam the 200-meter butterfly in 1:52.03, a world record, his fourth gold medal of his games, the record-setting 10th gold medal of his Olympic career. Four others had won nine golds: Americans Mark Spitz (swimming) and Carl Lewis (track and field), Finland's Paavo Nurmi (track and field) and the Soviet Union's Larissa Latynina (gymnastics). That seemed like a good... (Anchorage Daily News)
Medal magnet Phelps wins fly, team relay for record 11 golds Aug 13, 2008
In addition to passing Spitz, U.S. track and field star Carl Lewis, Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina for most career Olympic golds, Phelps' victories helped him pass fellow swimmer Jenny Thompson as the most decorated U.S. Olympian. Thompson won 12 medals in her Olympic career. (USA Today -- Sports)
Phelps wins all-time best Aug 13, 2008
As well as fellow swimmer Spitz and long-jumper and sprinter Lewis, "Flying Finn" distance runner Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina are the others on nine golds. Phelps' goggles filled with water during the men's 200 metres butterfly, yet he still broke his own world record. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Phelps in gold-medal league of own Aug 13, 2008
Winning the 200 butterfly made Phelps the first Olympian to collect 10 career gold medals, breaking a 24-hour tie with Spitz, American sprinter Carl Lewis, Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina. Phelps' relay gold raised his career haul to 11 golds and 13 total medals. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Phelps is golden Aug 13, 2008
Phelps's ninth career gold tied him with Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the most in Olympic history. The mark isn't likely to be shared for long. Phelps will go for his fourth medal of these games and 10th overall on Wednesday in the 200 butterfly, yet another event in which he holds the world record. (Albany Times Union)
* SWIMMING: Phelps wins ninth career Olympic gold Aug 13, 2008
The Americans ninth career gold medal tied him with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina for the most in Olympic history. Racing out of lane six, Phelps quickly surged to the lead and led by a full body length halfway through the second of four laps. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Phelps makes history Aug 13, 2008
Phelps also passed U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz (1968, 72), Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi (1920, 24, 28) and Russian gymnast Larissa Latynina (1956, 60, 64), who each won nine Olympic gold medals during their careers. (AP Photo). (New Haven Register, CT)
Greatest Olympic athletes Aug 13, 2008
The American's ninth career gold medal also ties him with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina for the most in Olympic history. Racing out of lane six, Phelps quickly surged into the lead and led by a full body length halfway through the second of four lengths. (CNN)
Phelps claims ninth career gold as US continue to dominate Aug 13, 2008
MICHAEL Phelps joined Olympic icons Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina as the only athletes to win nine summer Games gold medals with a dominant 200m freestyle triumph yesterday. Phelps, vying to break swimmer Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Olympics, captured his third title and third world record in as many events as he sliced nine-tenths of a second off his own world mark with a time of 1:42. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Olympics morning round-up: Phelps stands tall as records fall Aug 13, 2008
Phelps is alone at the top of the career golds list, now two ahead of Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina. Spitz is the only man to win seven golds at a singles games, the 1972 Munich Olympics, and Phelps will need to win the 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly and 400 medley relay to surpass him. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Phelps wins fouth, fifth medals in Beijing Aug 13, 2008
A day after etching his name alongside Mark Spitz and Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina with gold No. 9, Phelps claimed the record all to himself when he won the 200-meter butterfly Wednesday morning. An hour later, he returned to swim the leadoff of a runaway victory by the U.S. 800 freestyle relay team, which shattered the old mark by more than 4 seconds. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Olympics morning round-up: Phelps stands tall as records fall Aug 13, 2008
Phelps is alone at the top of the career golds list, now two ahead of Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina. Spitz is the only man to win seven golds at a singles games, the 1972 Munich Olympics, and Phelps will need to win the 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly and 400 medley relay to surpass him. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Greece rematch next for U.S. men’s basketball Aug 13, 2008
Phelps s ninth career gold tied him with Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the most in Olympic history. The mark isn t likely to be shared for long. Phelps will go for his fourth medal of these games, 10th overall, on Wednesday in the 200 butterfly, yet another event in which he holds the world record. (Creston News Adertiser, IO)
Solid Gold! Phelps racks up two more gold medals Aug 13, 2008
After a six-gold performance at the 2004 Athens Games, Phelps needed only five days in Beijing to surpass Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi as the winningest Olympian ever. Phelps moved to Ann Arbor in 2004, from his native Baltimore, to train with the University of Michigan-affiliated Club Wolverine. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
King of Beijing! Pehlps takes 2 more gold medals Aug 13, 2008
After a six-gold performance at the 2004 Athens Games, Phelps needed only five days in Beijing to surpass Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi as the winningest Olympian ever. DelcoTimes 2008. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Americans keep tallying medals Aug 13, 2008
The four spots would've gone to the only athletes with nine gold medals: Americans Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz, Russia's Larysa Latynina and the Flying Finn, Paavo Nurmi. Now, Michael Phelps has joined them. (The Daily Texan, TX)
Olympics: Phelps stakes his claim for title of greatest Aug 13, 2008
Judged purely by weight of gold no athlete has ever been where Phelps arrived today, not Mark Spitz, not Paavo Nurmi, nor Larissa Latynina or Carl Lewis, the four giants of the Games whose shared total of nine career gold medals he passed in almost perfunctory fashion in the Water Cube. We can and will debate the merits of medallists in team sports against individuals, of five-time-Olympians such as Steve Redgrave against two-Games wonders like Spitz, and the swimmers' undoubted good fortune to... (guardian.co.uk)
Phelps continues to rewrite Olympic record books Aug 13, 2008
He now has more gold medals than any Olympic athlete in history, breaking the old mark of nine once shared by track stars Carl Lewis of the U.S. and Paavo Nurmi, the Finnish distance runner from the 1920s, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, and American swimmer Mark Spitz. The magnitude of his accomplishment hit Phelps as he stood on the medal podium. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Federer is a Phelps fan Aug 13, 2008
Phelps started on Wednesday with a career nine Olympic golds to stand alongside greats Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina. But the man from Baltimore clinched his place in the history books when he won the 200m butterfly in a new world record time of 1min 52. (iAfrica.com)
Phelps makes history Aug 13, 2008
The 23-year-old American moved past Olympic icons Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina, who all won nine golds in their careers. He had barely stepped off the medal podium before he returned for the relay, leading off a US team that clocked 6:58. (iAfrica.com)
His Olympic gold Aug 13, 2008
In addition to Spitz, the nine career golds ties Phelps with track stars Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi and gymnast Larissa Latynina for most in history. "To be tied for most Olympic golds of all time, with those names, in Olympic history and the Olympics have been around for so many years it's a pretty amazing accomplishment," Phelps said. (KHOU.com, TX)
Make room for Phelps as winningest Olympian ever Aug 13, 2008
Phelps's ninth career gold tied him with Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the most in Olympic history. "To be tied for the most Olympic golds of all time, with those names, in Olympic history ...," Phelps said, before pausing and letting out a slight chuckle. (FindLaw News)
There he goes again: more gold for Phelps Aug 13, 2008
03 seconds, Phelps earned his 10th overall gold medal in Olympic competition to pull clear of the tie he had been in with four legendary athletes: distance runner Paavo Nurmi of Finland (1920-28), Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina (1956-64), American swimmer Mark Spitz (1968-72) and U.S. track and field star Carl Lewis (1984-96). Phelps' gold in the 4x200 freestyle relay 58 minutes later in a world-record 6:58. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Day 4: Phelps joins elite club of 9-gold winner Aug 13, 2008
It was Phelps' ninth Olympic gold overall, allowing him to join an elite club with U.S. swimming great Mark Spitz, American track and field star Carl Lewis, former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the most gold medals all-time at the Games. "To be tied for the most Olympic gold for a long time with those names in Olympic history, it is a pretty amazing accomplishment. It is definitely a honor," said the 23-year-old American. (Xinhuanet, China)
Phelps Takes Another 2 Golds, World Records Aug 13, 2008
His 10th gold medal moved him out of a tie with Spitz, American track and field star Carl Lewis, former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the all-time Olympic gold medal record. "I couldn't see anything for the last 100 (meters)," Phelps said of the race. (Click2Houston, TX)
Most impressive Aug 13, 2008
But his victory in the butterfly was another record-setter as he surpassed Finnish track runner Paavo Nurmi, American sprinter Carl Lewis, American swimmer Mark Spitz, and Ukranian gymnast Larissa Latynina with gold medal No. 10. And Phelps won the race despite difficulty seeing. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
History's Greatest Olympian Aug 13, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008. Olympics: Phelps becomes greatest Olympian in history Posted: 13 August 2008 1048 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Olympics: Phelps becomes greatest Olympian in history Aug 13, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Phelps Bags 11th Olympic Gold Medal Aug 13, 2008
After a six-gold performance at the 2004 Athens Games, Phelps needed only five days in Beijing to surpass Spitz, Lewis, Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi as the winningest Olympian ever. Phelps is now all alone at the top of the career golds list, with three more chances to stretch his lead before he leaves China. (Time.com)
Day 4: Phelps, U.S. swimmers dominate Aug 12, 2008
9 Michael Phelps, U.S., swimming (2004-6; 2008-3)9 Larysa Latynina, Soviet Union, gymnastics (1956-4; 1960-3; 1964-2)9 Carl Lewis, U.S., track and field (1984-4; 1988-2; 1992-2; 1996-1)9 Paavo Nurmi, Finland, track and field (1920-3; 1924-4; 1928-2)9 Mark Spitz, U.S., swimming (1968-2; 1972-7). Source: Associated Press. (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
Greatest American hero? Aug 12, 2008
The other: track star Carl Lewis, Finnish distance runnning legend Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina. Videos. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Day 4: Phelps, U.S. swimmers dominate Aug 12, 2008
9 Michael Phelps, U.S., swimming (2004-6; 2008-3)9 Larysa Latynina, Soviet Union, gymnastics (1956-4; 1960-3; 1964-2)9 Carl Lewis, U.S., track and field (1984-4; 1988-2; 1992-2; 1996-1)9 Paavo Nurmi, Finland, track and field (1920-3; 1924-4; 1928-2)9 Mark Spitz, U.S., swimming (1968-2; 1972-7). Source: Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Race)
Phelps takes another gold medal and breaks another world record Aug 12, 2008
Phelps did not stop to talk to reporters because an hour later he had to swim in the semifinals of the 200-meter butterfly. Phelps had dominated the 200 freestyle in recent years, but it was the one individual race he failed to win in Athens four years ago. (Anchorage Daily News)
Phelps, Coughlin and Peirsol add to United States' gold haul Aug 12, 2008
It also gave Phelps his ninth career Olympic gold, tying him for the all-time Olympic record in that category with Spitz, U.S. track and field star Carl Lewis, Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi and Ukrainian gymnast Larysa Latynina. "It's a pretty amazing accomplishment," said Phelps, who could stand alone in the career gold count after his two events Wednesday, the 200-meter butterfly and 4x200-meter freestyle relay. (USA Today -- Sports)
Carl Lewis. Mark Spitz. Michael Phelps. Aug 12, 2008
His nine gold medals moved him into a five-way tie with U.S. swimming great Mark Spitz, American track and field star Carl Lewis, former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the all-time career gold medal record. Five athletes out of the thousands upon thousands who have competed since Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin founded the IOC and pushed us all towards the first modern Olympics in 1896. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Phelps' Gold Among Seven U.S. Medal Wins Aug 12, 2008
"I knew [Park] was going to finish well, so I had to finish a whole body length ahead." Phelps' ninth career Olympic gold medal moved him into a five-way tie with U.S. swimming great Mark Spitz, American track and field star Carl Lewis, former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi for the all-time record. It was Phelps' 11th Olympic medal overall, moving him into a tie with Spitz and Matt Biondi for the most among male swimmers. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Michael Phelps redefining Olympic greatness Aug 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - Page updated at 12:00 AM. As U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps continues his historic journey toward eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympic Games, his remarkable talent and focus inspires awe even in his competitors. (Seattle Times)
Phelps wins ninth career Olympic gold Aug 12, 2008
The American's ninth career gold medal tied him with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina for the most in Olympic history. United States' Michael Phelps reacts after setting a new world record as he wins the gold in the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Phelps wins ninth career Olympic gold Aug 12, 2008
The American's ninth career gold medal tied him with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina for the most in Olympic history. United States' Michael Phelps reacts after setting a new world record as he wins the gold in the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Phelps wins again to join elite Olympic group Aug 12, 2008
Phelps joined compatriots Lewis and Spitz, as well as "Flying Finn" distance runner Paavo Nurmi and Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina with a total of nine golds. He could overtake them all on Wednesday when he swims in two more finals. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Three and easy Aug 12, 2008
The 200m freestyle victory gave Phelps a career count of nine gold medals, tying him with swimmer Mark Spitz, sprinter and long jumper Carl Lewis, Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi and Russian gymnast Larysa Latynina for the most in history. Phelps was never challenged in the 200m and lead from the moment he exploded off the blocks. (Globe and Mail)
Phelps joins elite club Aug 12, 2008
Phelps added his name to the prestigious group of Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina when he won the men's 200m freestyle with a world record swim for his third Gold medal in Beijing. He appears destined to become the greatest Olympian as he continues his quest for an unequalled eight gold medals in one Games in Beijing and he said the toughest three races were behind him. (iAfrica.com)
Phelps has another piece of unfinished business Aug 12, 2008
Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larysa Latynina share the record for the most gold medals over an Olympic career, each with nine, but they are merely keeping a spot warm for Phelps before he heads on by. After winning six golds in Athens, he's two-for-two in Beijing. (FindLaw News)
Gold standard Aug 12, 2008
Paavo Nurmi, Finland Track and field (3 in 1920, 4 in 1924, 2 in 1928). Larysa Latynina, Soviet Union Gymnastics (4 in 1956, 3 in 1960, 2 in 1964). (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Olympics: Phelps joins Olympic greats with 9th career gold Aug 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
The calm before the raging storm Aug 9, 2008
A haul of eight golds would also propel him past Mark Spitz's record of seven in a single Olympics, while an overall tally of 14 gold medals - from a mere two Olympics - would eclipse the record of nine, held jointly by Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi and Larissa Latynina. Phelps, then, is a smelting machine away from distorting the world's precious metals market. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Athlete to watch Aug 9, 2008
If he wins gold in the 400 IM, he'd pull within two golds of tying the all-time record for most golds in the Olympics, nine, shared by four others: Paavo Nurmi, a Finnish distance runner; Larisa Latynina, a Soviet gymnast; Spitz; and Carl Lewis, a U.S. track star. (MIKE PERSINGER)OBSERVATIONSI just don't see Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals here in Beijing. (News & Observer -- Sports)
The8 essentials Aug 7, 2008
Four athletes Spitz; U.S. track star Carl Lewis; Finlands Paavo Nurmi (track and field); and the Soviet Union's Larisa Latynina (gymnastics) are tied with nine career Olympic golds. Four Beijing golds would give Phelps 10. (MSNBC -- Sports)
* Who will light Olympic Flame? Aug 7, 2008
Distance runners Paavo Nurmi (1952) and Ron Clarke (1956) have also done the famous job along with soccer player Michel Platini (1992). But not all final torch bearers have been athletes. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Built to swim, Aug 2, 2008
Four golds: The current record of nine career Olympic golds is shared by Spitz, Latynina, Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi (1920-28) and U.S. track and field star Carl Lewis (1984-96). --By Vicki Michaelis. (USA Today -- Sports)
Lagat exalts in running for U.S. Jul 2, 2008
Only two men achieved that double at the Olympics - Finland's Paavo Nurmi in 1924 and Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, who did so thanks to a. 12-second margin over Lagat in the 1,500 four years ago in Athens. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Michael Phelps: 'More relaxed' swimmer is aiming for Mark Spitz's record seven Jun 1, 2008
" In Athens, Phelps became the first American to win eight medals in one Olympiad with six gold and two bronze. He joined Olympic icon Mark Spitz as the only swimmers to win four individual events in one Games -- Phelps won the 100- and 200-meter butterfly and 200- and 400-meter individual medley. In Beijing, Phelps could challenge Spitz's record of seven golds in 1972, the most ever at one Olympics. If Phelps wins four gold medals, he will become the Olympic athlete with the most career golds,... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Of the 26 medals the U.S. won in Osaka, Allyson Felix helped earn three, winning the 200 and also the 400 and 1,600 relays. Sep 4, 2007
The 1,500/5,000 double is for real men only, which is why only the legendary Paavo Nurmi (1924) and Hicham El Guerrouj (2004 and he's legendary, too) have done it. Props. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Out of sorts Mottram stumbles Sep 3, 2007
Lagat joined an exclusive club of those who have won Olympic or world titles in the 1500m and 5000 in the same year, with Paavo Nurmi (1924 Olympics) and Hicham El Guerrouj (2004). send photos, videos ffs to 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764), or us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
American Bernard Lagat gets 1,500-5,000 double Sep 3, 2007
The only others to duplicate the accomplishment at a major international championship are Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj at the 2004 Olympics and Finland's Paavo Nurmi at the 1924 Olympics. Lagat, 32, a native of Kenya who became a U.S. citizen in 2004 and lives in Tucson, also became the first U.S. winner of each event at worlds. (USA Today -- Sports)
* Lagat in historical double at Worlds Sep 3, 2007
While no one has achieved the rare 5,000m-1,500m feat at the worlds before two men have done so at the Olympics -- Paavo Nurmi in 1924 and Morrocan great Hicham El Guerrouj in 2004. "The double means a lot to me," said Lagat, and credited El Guerrouj for inspiration. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Lagat gets double, Felix earns triple Sep 2, 2007
Only the great Finn Paavo Nurmi and Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj had completed a similar double, but both achieved theirs at the Olympics. Lagat had to qualify for the 5,000 final just one day after winning his 1,500 gold, but nothing could stop him. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
