Emmanuel Korir's massive potential just became a reality in the most tangible way.
The former UTEP national champion and current volunteer assistant coach struck gold in the Tokyo Olympics, using a massive finishing kick to win a tactical race over his Kenyan teammate Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich.
He is the first Miner alum to win a gold medal since Ria Stalman won the discus in 1984 for the Netherlands.
Korir winning time of 1:45.06 was way off his personal best of 1:42.05, but he got his tactics correct. He stalked the slow pace, then pounced late and outdueled Rotich in the final 50 meters.