A perfect race execution nearly netted SAU sophomore-to-be Anthony Peters a Pan Am Junior Games medal.
The US Junior National Champion at 10K Walk, Peters closed to within 100 meters of the bronze medalist but couldn't close the gap, finishing in 44:48.17, less than 40 seconds away from a personal best.
What makes the performance more incredible is the fact that Peters took 10 days off after winning his national championship in late June. He resumed training just three weeks ago, building up mileage in anticipation of racing a 20K in November to qualify for the Olympic Trials next summer.
"I'm pumped for Anthony because today showed that just on base mileage he's in good shape," said SAU head coach Dan Tomlin, who has worked with Peters on his summer training and accompanied the young Bee to Pan Am Junior Games in Edmonton, Alberta. "For this early in a training cycle it bodes well for our progression.
"Getting a medal is always the goal and it was disappointing to come up short, but not because of the effort. It was really an incredible race."
Peters got faster as the race progressed while the rest of the competition faded. The SAU harrier was as far back as 7th early in the race as the pace went out hard. Walkers in front of Peters quickly saw their form deteriorate and two of the top 4 walkers were disqualified. Then in the closing mile, Peters passed a Chilean walker and crept closer to the podium position.
In the end though he saw the 3rd place finisher cross the line while hustling up the home stretch.
"I always put my expectations high. I'm never satisfied," said Peters. "I wanted more but this was better than expected."Peters came in ranked 6th, and he defeated several opponents who beat him at the Pan Am Cup in Chile this past May.
Next for Peters will be the USA vs. Canada Duels on August 23, where he is favored to win.
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