Event: 5,000m
Who is he? 31-year-old Alistair Cragg is set to take part in his third Olympic Games in London.
The South Africa born runner, who is now based in Mammoth, Arizona, gained Irish citizen back in 1985 and began representing the country at the European Cross Country Championships in 2003.
He is the Irish record holder in the 5,000m and won a gold medal at the 2005 Europea Championships over 3,000m. At Beijing four years ago, he qualified for the 5,000m final but unfortunately then failed to finish.
Road to London: Cragg broke Mark Carroll’s 13-year-old record to clock 13.03.53 in Brussels back in September to secure his place at a third consecutive Games.
What he says about himself: “Proud to have been selected to the Irish Olympics team for London 2012. This is my third Olympics and looking to make it three for three in finals made.” (Twitter)
Medal chances: Having set a new Irish and European road race 5km record in April, Cragg is vying to produce a strong showing at what will surely be his last appearance on this stage. It is a strong field, however. Jimmy’s going with four.
If he were a YouTube video he would be? Goodwille & Hook N Sling – Take You Higher. It’s a favourite summer songs of his.
YouTube credit: umcmymusic
