How did your race at the 2012 Olympics differ from 2004?

Question

Meb Keflezighi · Answer

My 2012 Olympic Games and 2004 Olympic Games are different for many reasons. My 2004 Olympic Games was my fourth marathon. I was 29 years old. I was excited, new to the sport. I was looking forward to do great things and I came home with the Olympics of the first American in 28 years. And going to the 2012 Olympic Games was different because I did not get an opportunity. Well, I didn't get a chance to participate in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Olympics, because I did not qualify. I fortunately had a pelvis fracture due to an injury. I was not able to represent the United States. But I wanted 2012 was more like I got to prove to them that I'm still competitive. And I was 37 years old. Carlos Lopez from Portugal wanted as a 37-year-old. I was trying to do similar things. So I pushed as hard as I could and I came in fourth place. Even though it was faster than 2004 Olympics, that fourth place got motivated to go because I didn't know I was 21st place with halfway to go and I struggle. I want to drop out, but at the same time, I just kind of prayed and collected myself and then Coach Larson, he was at the 5K to go. And I was in sixth place. So I wanted to win that, try to win for the bronze medal. I pushed as hard as I could. And guess what, if one of them get busted with drugs, I want to be the one moving in from fourth to bronze. So I pushed it and came fourth place.

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"How did your race at the 2012 Olympics differ from 2004?"