"It wasn't very smart."
The phrase “It ain’t over until it is over” never resonated more until a recent college race.
University of Oregon runner Tanguy Pepiot had a clear lead over his rival, University of Washington’s Meron Simon in the men's steeplechase at the Pepsi Team Invitational in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday.
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As over 3,000 people witnessed the event, with 100 meters to go, Pepiot raised his arms and began a premature burst of joy as if he had crossed the finish line.
However, his celebrations seemed to slow him down and lose some momentum, which made for Simon to speed toward the finish line and capture the victory by a tenth of a second!
After the race, Simon told Eugene Register-Guard, “I thought he had taken me. I thought he was just so far ahead. Then I heard the crowd get crazy, and he started throwing his hands up. I was like, ‘I don’t think he knows I’m coming.’ I just went to the line and just raced.”
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Pepiot told Oregon Live, “I saw the crowd, and it was very loud. I just wanted to celebrate winning in front of our crowd. I was excited about it. But the race wasn't over. It wasn't very smart. But it was a learning experience."
