Galen Rupp showcased his dominance once again on Saturday, asserting his position as the top long-distance runner in the US. Securing a decisive win with a 43-second lead in the US Olympic Marathon Trials, Rupp is now set for Tokyo.
As he sprinted across the finish line, Rupp proudly waved a small US flag, leaving his nearest competitor, Jacob Riley, trailing behind by nearly three quarters of a minute. Joining Rupp in Tokyo will be the 43-year-old Abdi Abdirahman, who has earned the distinction of being the oldest American athlete to participate in the Olympics.
This upcoming Olympics will mark Rupp’s fourth appearance after clocking in at 2:09.20 during the trials. Rupp previously clinched a bronze medal in Rio in 2016 and has now staged an impressive comeback at the age of 33 following a heel surgery. He joins the ranks of Frank Shorter as the second man to win two US Marathon Trials, with Shorter achieving this feat in 1976 alongside Kenny Moore in 1972.
“It’s incredible,” expressed Rupp, “I feel relief almost more than anything.” His emotions were palpable as he completed the race.
Currently, Rupp is diligently training under his new mentor, Mike Smith, succeeding his former coach, Alberto Salazar, who was banned for four years due to doping violations in 2019.
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