NEW YORK (30-Jan) -- Irishman Eamonn Coghlan, whose name became synonymous with the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games after he won it seven times between 1977 and 1987, knew that Bernard Lagat would topple his record last night. He even knew how he would do it.
"It was inevitable that he was going to take the eighth Wanamaker Mile," Coghlan told Race Results Weekly in an interview just after Lagat's victory. "I called it yesterday in terms of him making one move, and one move only with a lap to go. And that's exactly what he did. He knows the boards better than anybody in that race. He won it in classic Coghlan style."
Coghlan, 57, was gracious --almost relieved-- that Lagat had broken his record which had stood for 22 years, before Lagat tied it last year. He clearly respects Lagat and how the three-time world champion shares his love for the Millrose Games.
"He has, as I've said earlier, has huge respect for the Millrose Games, huge respect for the Wanamaker Mile, and the tradition of Madison Square Garden," Coghlan said leaning closer to his interviewer. "I consider that a class act on his behalf in this modern day era of track and field with superstars from all around the world who wouldn't even give a damn about the Millrose Games. So, I respect him for having that respect for this event, and for chasing Eamonn Coghlan's record."
But Coghlan wasn't completely ready to turn over his cherished title of Chairman of the Boards. He preferred another approach.
"I'm delighted to hand over, not the title of Chairman of the Boards, but the man who has the most wins at the Wanamaker Mile," he said with a smile.
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