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A revived Keflezighi claims third U.S. cross-country title

Sat Feb 07, 2009 - By Dave Ungrady / Universal Sports

Physically refreshed and politically revived, Meb Keflezighi won his third U.S. cross-country title today, holding off a frenetic dash to the finish by newcomer Tim Nelson.

Keflezighi, the marathon silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, praised higher powers for his victory.

“Thank God because a year ago I couldn’t walk,” he said, recovering his breath in the finish area minutes after winning the race. “God gave me a miracle. And I wanted to dedicate this to (President) Obama. He’s our president. A lot of people put him way down but I think he can turn our country around.”

A year ago at this time, the 33-year-old Keflezighi was mired in spell of injuries and frustration. A favorite to qualify for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team in the marathon, he finished eighth at the trials in November 2007.

Fernandez Wins Junior National Championship

Derwood, Md. - OSU Athletics

Oklahoma State cross country standouts German Fernandez, Ryan Prentice and Ryan Vail competed in the USA Cross Country Championships on Saturday, with Fernandez providing the highlight with a first-place finish in the junior division.

Fernandez finished the 8,000-meter race with a time of 23:20, 19 seconds better than the second-place finisher. It marked his second consecutive junior cross country championship.

“It feels good (to win it two consecutive years),” Fernandez said. “I felt really smooth and under control the whole race.”