Galen Rupp

Rupp was the top American finisher in the 10,000 meters four years ago in Beijing, crossing the line 13th overall, but he arrives in London with bigger goals after a stunning performance at the U.S. trials. The former NCAA champion at Oregon didn't just qualify again in the 10,000, but he also set the meet record in that event and then did the same in the 5,000, breaking a mark held by the legendary Steve Prefontaine. In the shorter race, he was especially impressive in outkicking Bernard Lagat, the American record holder famous for his finishing ability. "It was an unbelievable victory," Lagat said. "The way Galen did it, pushing hard, running an amazing time, that does not surprise me tonight that he was running strong. What we're going to see from Galen is that he belongs at the top." That will be a challenge in London in events typically dominated by Africans, including world record holder Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, but Rupp seems to have not yet reached his peak. He has been a leader on the American distance-running scene for years, winning each outdoor national championship in the 10,000 since 2009, and his international events have been improving. His best finish out of three world championship appearances in the 10,000 came last year as he was seventh, and he also came in ninth in the 5,000. He's geared up to run both races in London.