Galen Rupp, who set an American record at 5,000 metres last week in Brussels, is looking at a distance double in the 5,000 and 10,000 at next year’s London Olympics.
Rupp, training partner of 5,000 world champion Mo Farah, of Britain, set the US standard of 26 minutes and 48 seconds in a third-place showing at the Van Damme Memorial behind reigning Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele, of Ethiopia.
Rupp’s run broke the old American mark of 26:59.60 set last year by Chris Solinsky.
It could be the launch pad for Rupp’s run at the Olympic medal podium and his double bid to challenge the domination of African distance runners.
“It’s a really good possibility, but a lot can happen between now and then,” Rupp said.
“If things go really well there is a good chance I will do that.”
An Oregon stable of elite runners trained by coach Alberto Salazar includes Rupp and Farah, who won the 5,000 crown and was second at 10,000 in the World Championships last month in South Korea.
“We have such a great chemistry,” Rupp said.
“We both understand when to push and when the other guy is not feeling good. We care about each other and want the other person to succeed. I would not be where I am today if he hadn’t come here last year. I couldn’t have made the strides I have in running.”
Farah adopts a more laid back attitude than Rupp, the American said.
“I thought I was a relaxed person, but he is the most relaxed person I have ever met,” Rupp said.
“It’s amazing how laid back he is. He helps me see you will have good days and bad days, but it’s all about how you finish. It’s nice to be around someone like that. When it comes to business we are all in.
“I have who I believe is the best coach in the world and train with the best runner in the world. It’s exciting.”
Rupp was 13th at the Beijing Olympics in the 10,000, the best finish for a runner from outside Africa, but he can feel the improvement since then.
“I’m there at the end of races now,” Rupp said.
“Two years ago it was hang on as long as you can. Now is the fun part where I’m going to be there at the end. It’s a matter of getting that last lap down.”