DAVID KRUMMENACKER'S
BIRMINGHAM JOURNAL

Georgia Tech alum David Krummenacker had a breakthrough season in 2002, leading the U.S. lists in both the 800 (1:43.92) and 1500 (3:31.93). That made him the only American ever to break both 1:44 and 3:32. And he threw in a 3:56.45 mile for good measure.

Despite coming close to the American Indoor Record in the 1500 early this year, he stuck with his flagship event, the 800 for the championship season, winning the USATF title.

We asked David to keep a journal for us while he was in England for the World Indoor Championships, knowing he'd give us a most interesting report, whatever happened. What did happen was that he became the first American to win an international-championship 800 since Dave Wottle at the '72 Olympics, outkicking the event's World Record holder, Wilson Kipketer.

David's week:

BEFORE LEAVING

My coach, Luiz de Oliveira, came to Tucson for a week before I left for Birmingham. I had two great track sessions during that time and he told me just before I left that his athletes have three medals from championship races [Joaquim Cruz Olympic gold in '84, silver in '88; José Luiz Barbosa World Champs silver in '91] and it'd be nice to add another to the case.

He talked to me a lot about race tactics and the importance of approaching each round like it IS the final. He said if you don't, IT will be the final!!

I flew from Tucson to Atlanta on Sunday. I like breaking up the trip overseas.

MONDAY, MARCH 10

I woke up Monday morning and went to the track to get a workout in before my evening flight to Europe. The weather was warm and I had a great tuneup session.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

I arrived to a chilly, overcast Birmingham on Tuesday morning. Hmmmmmm. . . cloudy and cold in England. . . surprise surprise!!

That afternoon we found a nice dirt trail along the canal in the heart of the city, about a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Jonathon Riley and I went on a 45-minute run in attempt to ward off the weariness that had set in from our flights. (It's vital the first day you arrive in Europe to stay awake if you want to have any chance of your body adjusting to the time change.)

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, MARCH 12-13

Wednesday and Thursday we did a little walking-around down in Birmingham's shopping district. We found an internet cafe and a few vintage shoe stores with some cool old-school sneakers to look at.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, HEATS

I went for a little morning run Friday and came back to find nonstop, commercial-free coverage of the meet on TV. I thought I was in track heaven. I watched some early rounds in various events and hung my head when I saw Trammell pull up in the 60m. I said a prayer that it wasn't too serious and went to take a nap.

Friday evening I walked down to the NIA (indoor arena, about an 8-minute walk). I thought it was great not to have to worry about transportation schedules to and from the track which are some times ill-planned.

I'd talked to my coach the nite before and the main thing he'd stressed was staying out of trouble. I thought about that as I was warming up, and joked with some of the Kenyan guys I hadn't seen since last season.

We were called into the call room and we had to sit in two different holding areas for about 35 minutes before we raced. I wasn't too fond of that concept but then I thought, "No one else in the race is either, so it's fine."

They let us on to the track for about 3 minutes and then it was go time. I said a short prayer that we all have a good race as I stepped to the line and we were off.

Kipketer was in my heat and since only top 2 in each heat plus next 4 fastest times were advancing, I knew he'd leave little to chance. He surged to the lead after the first 400 and heated the pace. I moved into 2nd just behind his outside shoulder and with about 100m to go we were away from the field. We finished 1-2 and I felt good to have things under way.

I'd been to 3 World Championships and never made a final so it goes without saying that Saturday's semi was looming. I talked with Luiz Friday nite and he told me there was only Saturday, and not to think beyond. We talked about race plans a little and he reminded me of the importance in finishing top 2 (even though they were taking top 3).

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, SEMIS

Saturday was much the same, an easy run in the morning, watched the meet on TV and rested. I had a good warmup before the race and talked briefly with my manager, Mark Wetmore. I felt a quiet calmness as I entered the call room.

We were led out to the track through a maze of elevators and corridors. I knew the intensity level in this race would be up several notches from the first round and I reminded myself to stay alert. There'd also been some turmoil over disqualifications (lane infractions) earlier in the day so I was very aware of keeping my feet WAY away from the white lines.

Wilfred Bungei of Kenya took the lead and was setting a quick early pace. I knew there wouldn't be much jostling in this race. I felt really good through 600, I'd followed Bungei smoothly the entire way and realization swept through my mind the last 100m that I was going to be in a World Championship final.

As I cooled down after the race I began to think about what making a final really meant and the opportunity that now sat before me. I thought about Rich Kenah, who was the last person to get a medal for the U.S. in any distance over 400m. I felt admiration for his feat.

I recalled Luiz's words about having more room in his medal case and thought about how our U.S. team hadn't had a great second day on the awards stand. I knew tomorrow would be a different day!!

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, THE FINAL

Before I warmed up for Sunday's final I sat for a while and ran the race in my mind. I knew it would take a PR to medal and a big PR to win. I told myself, "There's no time better than THIS time," and remembered a good friend and training partner--Fidele, back in Az--who'd said to me before I left, "You have no otherwise!!"

We were brought to the track, introductions were taking place, I reminded myself to stay clear of the lane line, and as always said a small prayer that we all raced well.

The gun went off and I got out quick around the first curve. We broke in on the straight away and Bungei made a decisive move for the lead. Kipketer quickly moved to Bungei's outside shoulder and I settled in just inside of him, not the most coveted position. Being inside offers very little wiggle room if the man leading begins to fade. I didn't look at splits as we were going along but the pace felt very comfortable. I checked my peripheral a few times for the possibility of a gap should Kipketer suddenly make a burst, but there was none.

We were closing in on 200m to go and I could tell the guys were ready to head for home. Kipketer surged just inside of 200 and I knew if I had a chance of winning the race I had to go with him. Spotting a man like him even a single inch would be a grave mistake. With about 100m to go I passed Bungei and fire raced through me. Kipketer was about two strides ahead of me as we rounded the final curve, I laid everything out and just edged by him the last 15 meters or so.

It didn't feel real to be crossing the line knowing I'd won. I closed my eyes and thanked God. Realization swept in as I began my victory lap. I half wondered and laughed if someone was going to come grab me and say I'd been DQed for stepping on a line. Someone tossed me an American flag and pride swelled in me that the U.S. was back on top in middle distances.

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