PARIS, France — An Indianapolis native is the first Hoosier in 120 years to win an Olympic medal in a race longer than 400 meters.
Cathedral High School graduate Cole Hocker emptied the tank in the last 100 meters of the 1500-meter final on Tuesday, beating out a packed and talented field of athletes.
“I knew what I was capable of,” Hocker told 13News anchor Anne Marie Tiernon. “I knew a medal was within my grasp. I think I knew it was going to take a really special day.”
Hocker crossed the finish line with a time of 3:27.65 to set both an Olympic record and American record.
PHOTOS: Indianapolis native Cole Hocker wins gold medal in 1500m
Despite the gold medal finish, Hocker said a backup in the final stretch of the race held him back from what could have been an even faster time.
“I think with 100 meters, I got a little bit cut off and kind of had to reassess and sprint again, so I think I could have run a faster time, but I gave it my all on that day," Hocker said.
Watch the full interview with Hocker in the media player above.