"Beautiful" first run for U.S. makes Lagat a happy man

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Twice Olympic 1,500 metres medallist Bernard Lagat is so thrilled to be finally wearing his US singlet at the world championships, he's considering using it as a pyjama top.

''This is beautiful,'' the former Kenyan said after taking third in a 1,500 metres preliminary round.

''I think I am going to sleep in it (his singlet) tonight, but I guess I'll have to hang it dry,'' said Lagat, who had waited three years to represent the US globally because of his citizenship change.

Lagat, Kenya's 2000 Olympic bronze medal winner who took silver in 2004, has been running on the European circuit as an American, but never in a global championship.

''This is the moment, and I am very proud of it,'' said the 32-year-old Lagat, a U.S. resident since 1996 who is one of the favourites in the championships.

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