by Andres Botero  Galen Rupp is on the forefront of American distance running, proving that with an easy-looking win in the 10,000 meter run.

Rupp, the American record holder, won in 27:25 and led two other men, Matt Tegenkamp and Dathan Ritzenhein, under the old Trials record of 27:36 held by Meb Keflezighi.

Despite running in driving rain, Rupp looked determined to make his first Olympic team.

The most astounding thing about Rupp's run was how he simply dominated the last mile of the race. He surged three laps from the finish and led comfortably all the way home.

Rupp also went on to beat Bernard Lagat in the 5,000 meters for the first time in his career, running a blazing last lap of 52.54.

With these two accolades, Rupp has made a definitive statement to his international competitors; he isn't afraid to run from the front or from the back.

Not only that, he has the wheels to beat anybody in the final sprint of any race.

This year, Rupp has run three A-Standards in three different events: the 1500 at the Occidental High Performance Meet in May, the 5000 at the Prefontaine Classic in June and the 10,000 at the Trials.

That kind of acceleration and speed is what makes Rupp such a threat for a medal in London.

His range over the middle and distance events helps his chances for a medal in London. He will be facing training partner and current World Champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 runner-up, Mo Farah.

In addition, reigning Olympic Champion Kenenisa Bekele is rounding out into form with a recent 13 minute 5,000 run in the Prefontaine Classic back in June.

Rupp has steadily improved since his days at the University of Oregon, and he seems poised to continue his ascent.

His coach, Alberto Salazar, has left nothing to chance and has Rupp firing on all cylinders. Putting Rupp in multiple races of varying lengths prepares him to run with anybody at any pace.

If anything, Salazar has changed Rupp from a single-gear bike to a humming V-8 engine.

His cerebral coaching style has helped Rupp bridge the gap created by East African runners.

Rupp has a little over a month to add the finishing touches to his training, and given his recent success, Rupp is probably counting the days until the Olympic 10,000 final and his first Olympic medal.