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Former UTEP national champion Emmanuel Korir lands gold in 800 meters

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 comfortably.

He is the first Miner alum to win a gold medal since Ria Stalman won the discus in 1984 for the Netherlands and the third ever. Bob Beamon won the long jump in 1968.

Korir's winning time of 1 minute, 45.06 seconds was way off his personal best of 1:42.05, but he got his tactics perfect.