Michael Johnson 'went crazy' in BBC studio during Olympics coverage after American drama
Michael Johnson was on the edge of his seat watching the 1,500m final
BBC
American Olympic icon Michael Johnson 'was going crazy' watching the men's 1500m final unfold as Cole Hocker pulled off a shock win in record time.
All the pre-race preamble focused on world champion Josh Kerr against Jakob Ingebrigtsen with the Norway athlete looking to defend his Olympic title.
The two rivals were ruffled each other's feathers with the Stade de France playing host to the main event on Tuesday evening.
The race didn't disappoint for drama as Ingebrigtsen set them off on world record pace.
Michael Johnson was on the edge of his seat watching the 1,500m final
BBC
However, the 23-year-old ran out of steam going down the final 100m as Kerr passed him to take the lead.
That wasn't the end of it though as Hocker came down the inside of everybody with plenty left in the tank to pip the British star over the line to win gold in a stunning result.
Ingebrigtsen ended up missing out on a medal altogether as Yared Nuguse also made a late push to secure bronze.
The race had the crowd inside Stade de France on their feet and Johnson, who won 12 global titles in his career, couldn't believe what he saw.
"I was going crazy up here because we've been talking in the US for quite some time about a winner in middle distance," he said on BBC.
"Everyone was excited about Yared Nuguse. We've been excited about him for a couple of years, just came out of college.
"But Cole Hocker had an amazing US Olympic trials and started to put himself in the conversation and just ran a brilliant race right there.
"Tactically, took his time and saw what was going on. That was pretty crazy what Ingebrigtsen was doing.
Cole Hocker shocked everyone with his victory
REUTERS
"I think Josh did get caught up in that a little bit and felt like I need to, I have to stay in contact.
"But you see Ingebrigtsen left the door open off that bend and Cole just took the inside because he was perfectly positioned.
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Josh Kerr just missed out on gold
REUTERS
"Ingebrigtsen was trying to cut people off on the outside and just opened the door even more.
"Ingebrigtsen will be the most disappointed of them all. I think Josh will be happy with his silver. Happy that he got back on that podium again.
"He wants gold, he will still feel that he can get it at some point but I think he'll be happy at the end."
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