Centrowitz ends U.S. drought in 1,500

RIO DE JANEIRO — Matt Centrowitz of the United States ran from the front and held off Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria at the line to win the gold medal in the men’s 1,500 meters last night.

The last American to win the men’s 1,500 was Mel Sheppard at the 1908 London Olympics. Kenya favorite Asbel Kiprop fell halfway through the race and could not get back into medal contention. He finished sixth.

Centrowitz won the silver medal at the 2013 world championships and took fourth at the 2012 London Games.

Nick Willis of New Zealand took bronze.