By 3 News online staff
When the pace came on in the blue-ribbon 1500 metre final, Kiwi Nick Willis didn’t have an answer.
Willis faded as others surged past with 200 metres to go, finishing in ninth place.
He had a chance to write himself into the history books this morning and secure New Zealand's 100th Olympic medal, but his famous late kick wasn’t to be seen as Algeria’s Taoufil Makhloufi blew away and eased to the line in a time of 3.34.08.
Makhloufi had previously been kicked out of the Games for intentionally running slow and then pulling out of the 800 metres, but was reinstated and went on to win the gold medal.
The silver went to Leonel Manzano of the United States, with Morocco’s Abdalaati Iguider taking the bronze.
“Technically it worked out really well and I was excited where I was… my legs were shot,” says Willis.
“Not overly excited about how it went… quite disappointed.”
He says he didn’t have an answer for the performance.
“Sorry for letting New Zealand down… I did my absolute best.”
After the race, Willis said he was happy with how the race had started. He sat back during the first lap and was mid-field on the pole line and just trying to keep out of trouble.
With 600 metres to go Willis moved forward, and by the time the bell sounded for the last lap he was up with the leaders and ready to strike.
But the 24-year-old Makhloufi’s kick was too much for the field and Willis' "legs were gone".
Makhloufi’s opened up a five metre lead and eased to the gold medal.
3 News