Meb Keflezighi made history this week, becoming the first American man to win the New York City Marathon in 27 years.

The 34-year-old 2004 Olympic silver medalist was originally born in the African nation of Eritrea, but became a U.S. citizen in 1998.

He developed a stress fracture in his hip two years ago, but on Sunday, Keflezighi pulled ahead of the pack.

He says every step he took was for God.

"You know, I've been doing the Prayer of Jabez for a long time and every day I'm in the ice bath. I can't put in words," he said. "If it wasn't for God and where I am, where my life would have been would be pretty different."

"But I don't know if you saw on TV, I did this right when I was there, the cross, that's what it was for," he added.

Alberto Salazar was the last American to win the race in 1982.