On the run: Ben St Lawrence during the final of the 10,000m at London's Olympic Stadium. Photo: Pat Scala.
Ben St Lawrence is more than happy to have been part of one of the London Games’ most iconic moments despite being unable to produce his best 10,000m form on Saturday night.
The Bullaburra-raised athlete finished 20th in 28 minutes 32.67 seconds as the Olympic Stadium produced a roar like no other heard during the program for eventual winner and British star Mo Farah.
St Lawrence battled a form slump leading into the Games but was satisfied he gave everything he could during the final.
“It wasn’t the best result I feel I would have been capable of if everything came together on the night, but that’s sport,” he said.
“I’m happy enough with what I was able to do on the night, and left it all on the track, so have no regrets.”
Farah was too strong as he surged to the front of the lead pack with 500m to go and the British crowd rose with him down the final straight.
St Lawrence felt honoured just to be on track as the home fans cheered their champion home.
“The support for Mo was outstanding. It’s very hard to describe the feeling of being on centre stage when a crowd that big is cheering with one voice,” said St Lawrence.
“It was exhilarating enough for me, I can’t imagine how great Mo must have felt.”
The Olympic experience has only made St Lawrence hungrier to earn runs at more big competitions, boldly declaring, “I’m not done yet”.
He hopes to benefit from the lessons learned in London as he looks towards next year’s world championships.
“There are some changes that I feel I can make for a better assault on the next season, and I’d love to get a few more chances on the international stage,” he said.
With his competition now over, the 30-year-old is keen to enjoy the Games experience in the village and the stands.
“I was quite reserved leading up to my race — trying to stay focused obviously — but now I will get amongst it,” said St Lawrence.
“I’ll be out and about supporting my teammates who are still competing and meeting lots of other athletes from all around the globe.
“The experience here has quite a reputation to live up to, but from what I’ve been a part of so far, it may just do so.”