When Lopez Lomong was training in Austin back in April, his coach John Hayes said that the early track races his star runner was to run in - like the adidas and Rebook meets—were just that “early races” intended to toughen up Lomong for the important one- the U.S. Championships at the end of June in Eugene, OR. That’s where he wanted Lomong to shine.

And shine he did.

On Sunday afternoon, in a stirring duel with Texas –ex Leonel Manzano of Marble Falls, at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at legendary Hayward Field, 2008 Olympic Trials third place finisher and 2007 NCAA champion Lomong won his first USA Outdoor title, holding off former University of Texas star Manzano in the exciting Nike Men's 1500m final.

Lomong had the lead coming off the final turn and Manzano gave chase through to the finish. Although Manzano gained ground on his 2008 Olympic teammate, Lomong held on to win in 3:41.68, with Manzano finishing national runner-up in 3:41.82. 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships fourth place finisher Dorain Ulrey was third in 3:42.84, with 2008 NCAA Outdoor Champs runner-up Steven Pifer - who pushed the pace with 500 meters remaining - fourth (3:44.21).

I knew I had a last gear," Lomong said. "People started cheering and I said, 'OK, I'm ready to go.' "

Lomong earned a USA uniform again for the August world championships in Berlin.

Men’s USA 1500m Championship - Sunday, June 28, 2009

1) Lopez Lomong (AZ), 3:41.68

2) Leonel Manzano (TX), 3:41.82

3) Dorian Ulrey (AR), 3:42.84

4) Stephen Pifer (OR), 3:44.21

5) William Leer (OR), 3:44.28