Bernard Lagat, a two-time Olympic medallist for Kenya in the 1500 meters, has become a United States citizen, the runner announced today.

"I thought long and hard before changing my nationality but, at the age of 30, I have to look to my future, after my running career has come to an end," Lagat said in a press statement issued from his home in Tucson, Arizona. The change became effective on 29-March.

In addition to his two Olympic medals --bronze in 2000 and silver in 2004-- Lagat is the second fastest man ever over 1500 meters, with a personal best of 3:26.34 set in 2001. In 2004, we won the world indoor title in the 3000 meters.

"I hope to continue running at the very highest level until at least the 2008 Olympics. In the short term, I realise that changing my nationality makes me ineligible to compete at the 2005 World Championships but I look forward to trying to run as fast as possible in other meetings this summer, with the aim of inspiring and uplifting Kenyan and American athletics fans alike."

"The decision to change my nationality was not one I took lightly as I am very proud of my Kenyan heritage," Lagat said. "It was a great honor to see the Kenyan flag flown, as well as sometimes the Kenyan national anthem played, in recognition of my efforts at many prestigious events and those memories will never fade." Lagat added that since most of his family still reside in Kenya, he will continue to maintain strong links with the country.

"I have lived in the United States since 1996, I graduated from Washington State University and the United States has been my permanent home for almost a decade, and it is where I envisage living in the years to come. In future years, it is my intention to attempt to qualify for US athletics teams and to try to give something back to my new country."

Lagat last competed for his native Kenya on 24-August 2004; should the KAAA, Kenya's national athletics federation agree to an early release, he would be eligible to compete internationally for the United States as early as 25-August of this year. Should he be forced to wait the full three years, he would be eligible to represent the United States on 25-August- 2007, one day after the 2007 IAAF World Championships begin.

Lagat will make his first appearance as a U.S. citizen at this weekend's Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif., where he will contest the 5000 meters.