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Grant Fisher is seen by long-distance great Joshua Cheptegei as his successor in the 5,000m and 10000m events and the American runner has commented on the succession talk.
Double Olympic bronze medalist Grant Fisher has opened up about the immense responsibility and honor of being hailed as a potential successor to Ugandan long-distance great Joshua Cheptegei.
The American Olympian achieved two podium finishes at the Paris Olympics, earning bronze in both the men’s 5,000m and 10,000m races. In the 10,000m, Cheptegei claimed gold while Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi secured silver.
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20:35 - 12.10.2024
Why American record holder Grant Fisher is not happy with his 2024 season despite fishing two Olympics medals
American long distance great Grant Fisher has expressed regrets from his 2024 season even though he recorded his best-ever performance by clinching two Olympics medals.
Following the race, Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and current world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, hinted that Fisher could carry the torch for long-distance track events as he shifts his focus.
For Fisher, this endorsement was a surreal moment, marking his evolution from an admirer to a competitor on the world stage.
"My first introduction to international racing at the senior level was at the Tokyo Olympics. I remember lining up next to Joshua, and he had just broken the world record. I thought, ‘This guy’s going to crush me. How am I supposed to race him?’ Fast forward a few years, and now I’m battling it out with him at the front,” Fisher said in an interview with LetsRundotcom.
Cheptegei’s declaration left Fisher both humbled and motivated. “After the race, he said, ‘I’m essentially retiring from the track. It’s in your hands now.’ That’s kind of cool though a little bit of pressure, but it’s pretty cool,” Fisher admitted.
Fisher also expressed admiration for Cheptegei’s illustrious career. “He’s already won all the global titles and has the world records in the 5000m and 10,000m. For him, there’s nothing left to do on the track. It’s a massive flex, but he’s earned it. Hearing him pass that responsibility to me was amazing,” he added.
Despite the honor, Fisher acknowledged the challenges ahead noting that he will have to be at his best to take on the mantle.
"It doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to happen. Nothing’s guaranteed in this sport. To be fair, I wasn’t even second in the race; I was third. There are a lot of really good athletes I’ll need to overcome to live up to his words. Hopefully, I’m ready for the challenge.”
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06:46 - 13.12.2024
Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon to participate with Joshua Cheptegei in special event in Uganda
Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and Joshua Cheptegei will unite in Uganda for an inspiring weekend of athletic collaboration.
Cheptegei’s confidence in Fisher underscores the rising star’s potential, but it also raises expectations as the 27-year-old enters a pivotal phase of his career.
All eyes will be on Fisher to see if he can rise to the occasion and solidify his place among the long-distance greats.
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