Gold: Matthew Centrowitz (United States)
Silver: Taoufik Makhloufi (Algeria)
Bronze: Nick Willis (New Zealand)
Matthew Centrowitz became the first U.S. athlete to win an Olympic 1500m gold medal since 1908.
Four years ago, Centrowitz finished fourth in London, just .04 seconds off of the podium.
This year, he crossed the finish line first in 3 minutes, 50.00 seconds.
“My goal was just to get on the podium,” Centrowitz said to NBC’s Lewis Johnson. “I didn’t ever dream of actually winning.”
The defending Olympic champion, Taoufik Makhloufi, finished .11 seconds later to claim the silver medal. Nick Willis earned the bronze medal.
The last U.S athlete to win an Olympic 1500m gold medal was Mel Sheppard in 1908. For reference, 1908 was the year the Chicago Cubs last won the World Series.
Centrowitz is the son of 1978 Olympian Matt Centrowitz, and he has a tattoo that reads “Like father, like son” across his chest. Matt was in the crowd, jumping up and down as he proudly watched his son.