If you are reading this in New Zealand then unfortunately you were probably sound asleep at about 3am this morning. It is a shame because you missed the best performance by a track athlete since John Walker won gold, and Dick Quax won silver, both some 32 years ago: Nick Willis coming 3rd in the 1500m.
Before the race I thought, although an outside chance at a medal, he would be doing himself proud with a top 8 finish. Thankfully he had greater aspirations.
Willis ran a tactically superb race placing himself on the inside line - thereby running a shorter distance than many of his competitors - and then brilliantly resisted the urge to kick for home too early. Instead making up the distance on the leaders slowly and then kicking for home on the top bend.
I thought Kim Smith was our best hope for a medal on the track, but I may have just been proved wrong.
It was also a coup for the US College System. Long it has been considered the death of young New Zealand runners, where many consider there is too much pressure from coaches and too many outside distractions.
He should bask in his glory the next few days, and modestly accept the accolades which will undoubtedly come his way - he deserves it.
