Davila - Huge 2:22 Performance in Boston!
Davila - Huge 2:22 Performance in Boston!
Davila - Huge 2:22 Performance in Boston!
by Paul Michel
Desiree Davila battled Caroline Kilel all the way down Boylston to the line, nearly ending the American laurel wreath drought and winning the Boston Marathon. Davila actually took the lead with about 400 meters to go, looking completely smooth and under control throughout. She fought her heart out and did her country proud. What about that 2:22:39?!!! Her new PR improves upon her existing personal best by 4 minutes. While Davila had raced well the past several years (over everything from 3k to the marathon), this was her coming out party to the world.
"Most amazing experience of my running career," Davila said afterward.
As we eluded to in our preview, there was a sense beforehand that Davila was ready to launch herself into the national (and world) spotlight with a tremendous performance today in Boston. But who would have thought that Davila would make herself the fastest American at Boston ever? Her progression in the last several years, from a 2:44 debut in Boston in 2007 ... to almost becoming the first American winner in 26 years is incredible.
More incredible, perhaps, has been the lack of focus and attention Davila has garnered. She stated beforehand that she had not done anything to receive the praise that runners like Goucher, Russell and other top Americans had. Those days are definitely over. With her building credentials and accolades (and might we add ... a terrific sense of humor displayed at times in the post race press conference), Davila deserves to be a household name and someone to really rally behind going into this next Olympic year. (The pressroom here in Boston went nuts when Davila stormed onto the screen, joining the lead pack (and seconds later taking the lead ... so awesome!!!)
Desiree Davila interview after awards ceremony...
Watch more video of 2011 Boston Marathon on flotrack.org
Results:
Kilel, Caroline 2:22:36
Davila, Desire 2:22:38!!!!
Cherop, Sharon 2:22:42
Rotich, Caroline 2:24:26
Goucher, Kara 2:24:52!!!!
Tune, Dire 2:25:08
(Sidenote : Many of the top Americans hinted at perhaps hopping on the track later this spring/summer to try for Worlds. How great would it be to see Hall, Davila, Goucher, etc. mixing it up in some 5 and 10k's this year?!)
Desi's Coach, Keith Hanson ...
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