Bernard Lagat’s Amazing Victory, in 12 Photos

The 41-year-old made his fifth Olympics, and the effort and jubilation was all over his face.

by Sarah Lorge ButlerPublished: Jul 10, 2016 2:47 AM EDT

Bernard Lagat approaches the finish line

Rich Kolbell/American Presswire

The men’s 5,000 meters on Saturday evening featured oscillating paces and drastic lead changes. But 41-year-old Bernard Lagat had the lead at the only time it mattered—the finish line. After spending most of the race buried in the pack, Lagat timed his kick perfectly with the fastest lap of any runner all night: 52.82 seconds. His winning time was 13:35.50.

Here’s a look at Lagat’s race, and his joyous celebration at making his fifth Olympic team.

KIRBY LEE/IMAGE OF SPORT

The first two laps of the race go out very slowly, and Lagat hangs back in the pack.

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport

In the final two laps, Galen Rupp (not pictured) has a lead, but it is dwindling. While others are starting to show the strain, Lagat (third from left) looks relaxed and is positioned perfectly.

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Kirby Lee/Image of Sport

And down the stretch they come, five men in contention for three spots on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Rich Kolbell/American Presswire

In the final few meters of the race, the effort is evident.

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Andy Lyons/Getty

But Lagat holds off a fast-closing Hassan Mead.

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport

He has just enough energy left to celebrate as he crosses the finish line.

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Kirby Lee/Image of Sport

Lagat falls over in exhaustion.

Rich Kolbell/American Presswire

And then the celebration begins. Paul Chelimo, who also made the Olympic team in third place, hitches a ride.

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Kirby Lee/Image of Sport

Did Lagat miss his calling as a high jumper?

Kirby Lee

Lagat leaps into Mead’s arms next.

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Kirby Lee

And he hams it up for the TV cameras.

Kirby Lee

Lagat celebrates the moment with his 10-year-old son, Miika, and his seven-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Sarah Lorge Butler

Sarah Lorge Butler is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World since 2005. She is the author of two popular fitness books, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!

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