Ryan Gregson first Australian man into 1500m Olympic final in 40 years after superb semi in Rio

RYAN Gregson has become the first Australian man into an Olympic 1500m final for 40 years with a superb semi-final run in Rio.

Australia's Ryan Gregson through to the final in the Men's 1500m. Picture: Phil Hillyard

RYAN Gregson is dreaming of medals after becoming the first Australian man into an Olympic 1500m final for 40 years with a superb semi-final run in Rio.

The national record holder paced himself beautifully, coming from second-last of 13 on the rails in the back straight with 250 metres remaining to force his way out wide and finish fourth in his semi-final.

Gregson, who is from Wollongong but lives and trains with Nic Bideau in Victoria, got a kiss from his girlfriend and teammate Genevieve LaCaze before the race.

“She gave me a kiss before I went and said just to make sure that my Olympics didn’t finish before hers,” he told Channel 7. “I go on Saturday and she finishes on Friday night.”

Australia's Ryan Gregson in the Men's 1500m semi-final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It is the first time into a major championship final for Gregson, who has been in excellent form in 2016.

“I’m just patient. I’m telling you, if you show your cards early, you make a mistake and hurt in the end,” he said.

“I’m just trying to be like a Melbourne Cup jockey who is patient. Wait until I get a nice clear run. That was perfect. Came fourth.”

Australia's Ryan Gregson (L) finishes fourth in his semi-final. Picture: Brett Costello

He said he realises his advancement is “a huge achievement”. Graham Crouch was the last Aussie to make the final 12 of the event - back in 1976.

“If I retire tomorrow that would be a great career. I finally made a championship final. And I picked the Olympics to do it,” he said.

Gregson’s time of 3:40.02 placed him eighth overall.

“It’s relief,” he added, “Making an Olympic final. If I was to retire tomorrow I’d feel like I’d been a success.

“After beating the Australian record in 2010 it’s been a long while between drinks since I had a really, really good performance. That’s a lifetime achievement right there. If I can do something big in two days time...

“The way I’m running... I came second in my heat, fourth in the semi... anything in the top eight is realistic for me and once you’re in the top eight you’re only a half second off being in contention for the medals.

“I’m running pretty well. I know I’ve got a really good finish when it’s going well and I’ve had a perfect preparation.”

David Culbert, who is calling the Olympics for 7, told foxsports.com.au he rated Gregson a medal chance.

Originally published as Ryan Gregson first Australian man into 1500m Olympic final in 40 years after superb semi in Rio