2002 IAAF World Cup Former Bulldawg Fares Well - Krummenacker Takes Third in World Cup Note: For the Las Cruces, New Mexico Sun News - 23-Sept-02 (TPNS) -- Madrid, ESP -- Capping of a sensational 2002 season, Las Cruces native David Krummenacker finished third against a solid field in the 800 meter race at Track & Field's World Cup in Madrid, Spain. Krummenacker finished in 1:45.14, less than a second and a half behind surprise winner Antonio Manuel Reina of Spain, whose time of 1:43.83 set a new World Cup record. Djabir Said-Guerni, the bronze medallist in the event at the 2000 Olympics, was second. "Reina made his move with about 300 to go --a really strong move-- and I think (we) were a little slow to cover that. Coming down the straight they had a gap on us, and you really can't let guys get a gap on you like that. Hopefully in the next few years I can improve on that medal. I felt Ok, I guess a little tired like everyone else this season. I throw my hat off to the Spanish guy. He set a national record in his own backyard. That's got to be one of the greatest feelings ever." "I guess I'm happy with third place," said the 1998 Georgia Tech graduate, about a race that featured the reigning world and Olympic champions. "American medals in middle distances are a little hard to come by." The 27-year-old Krummenacker has worked particularly hard this year to chance that particular view of American distance running. And in the view of many, he is succeeding. "I couldn't have asked asked for anything better this season. Compared to what I've done in the past few years, this has been leaps and bounds over what I've done in recent years." The season he refers to is one that has suddenly thrust Krummenacker into the upper echelon of international middle distance racing. He credits much of his success to his new coach, Brazilian Luis de Oliviera, who changed his regimen by adding strength to his endurance base. Pool workouts entered the picture, as did plyometrics, excercises involving jumping routines. Throw in a new training base in Arizona and world class training partners, and a new Krummenacker emerged. After utilizing his blistering kick to win his second national championship in the 800 meters in June, Krummenacker relocated to Europe from his Tucson, Arizona base for the summer to compete on track's lucrative Grand Prix circuit. After notching wins in major races in Paris and Rome, something no American had done in more than a decade, the world began to take notice. Underscoring his new found strength and endurance, Krummenacker knocked nearly five seconds from his personal best in the 1500 meters, when he finished second behind 2000 Olympic bronze medallist Bernard Lagat in a race in Stockholm, running 3:31.93. The 1500 meter race is about 100 meters (328 feet) shorter than a mile. His performances made Krummenacker the fastest combined 800 and 1500 meter runner in American history, and he firmly believes he can become the American record holder in both events, a feat not accomplished since legendary miler Jim Ryun pulled off the feat in the mid 1960s. "You never know when those things will come, but if my training goes well and I stay healthy, hopefully those American records will come." Both records date back to 1985 -- 1:42.60 set by Johnny Gray and 3:29.77 by Sydney Maree. The mile record of 3:47.69 held was set in 1982 by Steve Scott. While he plans to continue to compete at both distances, he's going to focus mainly on the two-lap half mile. "That was the focus for the year. I'm going to sit down with my coach (to discuss it), but most likely will stick with the 800." While the final decision for that has yet to made, he is more certain about his immediate future. "Rest. A lot of rest."

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