The American 1500-meter team failed to advance to the finals in Beijing on Sunday. Bernard Lagat, the reigning World Champion, finished sixth in his semi and didn't make it through to the finals. Neither did Lopez Lomong, who finished last in his heat, and Texas Ex Leonel Manzano was also a non-qualifying 12th and last in his heat.

The big shocker was Lagat. The former Kenyan, who was twice an Olympic runner-up, fell just short of qualifying for the finals with 3:37.79, missing a fastest-losers' spot by 0.02. Lopong ran 3:41 in his heat, while Manzano had the slowest time of anyone in 3:51.

Said Manzano, "The pace was kind of slow. I gave a great effort.I tried to lead the pack. It was really aggressive. We just went out and I just kind of lost it mentally. I blew it in the last lap."

Lagat said afterward, "That's life. I'll concentrate on the 5000. That's alright. I didn't have the legs when I needed to dig deep. I was in fifth and  saw someone coming up. I tried to hold on. But I didn't have enough to make it. Life goes on. I've been doing this for a long time. I gave it everything I have,  I'm sure all my fans back in the U.S. understand that. I hope they won't think I let them down. I was calm before. I felt great. I went into the race sure that I was going to advance. I don't know what happened. I had nothing else."

Lomong was quoted, "The race went like it should have. When it was time to move, the other guys had it and I didn't. But I'm so happy I came all the way here to represent my country. I got to wear these great colors on my chest. I got to come to China where so many people pulled together to create this amazing event."