Americans Have Always Loved

AMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS LOVED the mile race in track, but years have elapsed since the United States fielded a top contender. In 2001, however, hopes renewed as a new miler rose to the forefront.

The 27th annual Prefontaine Classic (named for legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine) took place on the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene. Alan Webb, a recent graduate of South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, joined a stellar group of Olympians and world-record holders in the mile run.

As the race began, the future University of Michigan runner fell to the back of the 16-man pack. But Webb maintained a solid pace, clocking a 1:58 at the midway point. He moved from last to 12th place during the third lap and passed the 1320-yard mark at 2:58.4, perfect timing to record a sub-four-minute mile.

With Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, a four-time world champion and the 2000 Olympic silver medalist in the 1,500 meters, leading the pack, Webb kicked into high gear. He passed six runners in a span of 80 yards over the backstretch of the final lap. With the crowd of 11,211 screaming, Webb sprinted the last 100 yards and finished fifth at 3:53.43, breaking Jim Ryan’s American high school record of 3:55.30 set in 1965. El Guerrouj took first place at 3:49.92, the fastest outdoor mile ever run in the States.

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POINT Even though the Olympics now offers competition in the 1,500 meters rather than the mile, tradition dictates its inclusion in many U.S. meets. And for 36 years, America waited for an outstanding miler. Alan Webb proved to be worth the wait. Although he didn’t win that day, his record-breaking performance offered hope. An American high schooler could once again run a mile in under four minutes.

Many times in life we find ourselves waiting for something—or someone—to put our hope in. We naturally want to believe in something greater than ourselves.

The psalmist knew who was worth putting our hope in. He knew the wait would be worthwhile because his hope and trust were in the Lord, the almighty God. And we share that sure, secure hope.

GOAL! Try to walk, jog, or run a mile. Time yourself. How close did you get to four minutes? Keep trying. Ask God to help you wait for the Lord and trust him.