Zouhair Talbi, a Moroccan athlete and three-time NAIA champion competing for Oklahoma City University, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss his 10,000-meter victory May 14 in a lifetime-best 27:20.61, the second-fastest performance in collegiate history, at the Sound Running Track Meet in Irvine, Calif. Talbi, 26, reflects on elevating to the No. 5 competitor in his country's history and running the fastest time by a Moroccan athlete since 2005. He revisits the final 2,000 meters of the race and closing the last lap in 59.41 seconds to prevail against American professionals Emmanuel Bor (27:22.80) and Joe Klecker (27:23.44). Talbi examines elevating to the No. 9 performer in the world this year, in addition to prevailing in a race that featured four past NCAA Division 1 champions, including reigning cross country winner Conner Mantz of Brigham Young, who finished fourth in 27:41.16. He also shares relief over achieving the Olympic standard, which is 27:28.00, and preparing to travel to Morocco to train with fellow national team members in advance of the Tokyo Olympics. Talbi analyzes the history of strong Moroccan distance runners, including the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj, and shares his ambitions to eclipse the 27-minute barrier and pursue the 10,000 national record of 26:38.08 established by Salah Hissou that has stood since 1996. He also explains his excitement for the potential of fellow distance athletes Soufiane El Bakkali in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase and Rababe Arafi in the women's 1,500 meters in Tokyo. Talbi speaks about needing to renew his passport when he arrives in Morocco, in order to return to the United States to compete in cross country in the fall for Oklahoma City, along with traveling to Europe during the summer to race in the 5,000 meters in pursuit of the Olympic standard of 13:13.50. Talbi reminisces about winning NAIA indoor championships in the 5,000 and distance medley relay in March, followed by the cross country national crown in April, and the support he has received competing unattached throughout the outdoor season from Oklahoma City coaches Matt Aguero and Oscar Kipkoros, along with his teammates and training partners.