I went through high school in awe of Lopez Lomong. I’m a bit biased since I grew up in New York and that’s where he went to high school, but also because he overcame so much in his childhood. He also overcame Leo Manzano in the final meters of the 2007 NCAA 1500 meter final.

It’s a feat that many in the world have trouble doing when Leo is on his A-game.

Stephen Pifer took the race out in an honest pace through 400, 800 and 1200 meters, as virtually the whole field was gathered behind him. On the back straight during the final lap, the three big names took over. Leo Manzano sat in the drivers seat with Vincent Rono and Lopez Lomong in tow. Then, the front group hits the homestretch and Leo still has the lead. But during the closing moments of the race, Lopez took over and nearly goes sub-3:37.

Check out the race above to let some goosebumps float through your body.

Check out our most recent Wake Up post here.