Earns Best American Olympic Steeplechase Finish Since 1952

By Scott Bush

It was a glorious Wednesday morning for Evan Jager, as the American brought home a silver in the 3000m steeplechase. From the gun, Jager and Conseslus Kipruto (KEN) led, with Kipruto handling most of the early pacing duties, with Jager taking over after a few laps. While defending Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN) worked his way up to sit with the two, it was Jager and Kipruto hitting a fast early pace, stringing out the field and eventually having the lead trio well ahead of the rest of the field. 

With 500 meters to go, Kemboi pushed to the lead, with Kipruto on his hip and Jager falling two strides behind. As the Kenyan teammates ran one final time on the backstretch, Kipruto shot to the lead, gapping Kemboi and Jager and making a statement that the day would be his. 

Off the final water jump, Jager started to surge with Kemboi in his sights. While Kipruto waved to the crowd and celebrated over the final 100 meters, Jager caught and passed Kemboi, crossed the finish line and finally earned the international medal he's been chasing since 2012. Kipruto won in a new Olympic record of 8:03.28, with Jager second in 8:04.28 and Kemboi in third in 8:08.47.

For Jager, it marked the best performance for an American in the Olympic men's 3000m steeplechase since 1952 and proved Jager is truly a gold medal contender in the event for years to come. 

What a special morning for Jager, his Bowerman Track Club team and distance running fans across the United States!

Top Ten Results - Men's 3000m Steeplechase

8:03.28 - Conseslus Kipruto (KEN) - Olympic record
8:04.28 - Evan Jager (USA)
8:08.47 - Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN)
8:11.52 - Mahiedine Mekhissi (FRA)
8:14.35 - Soufiane Elbakkali (MAR)
8:16.75 - Yoann Kowal (FRA)
8:18.79 - Brimin Kiprop Kipruto (KEN)
8:22.74 - Hillary Bor (USA)
8:25.81 - Donald Cabral (USA)
8:26.30 - Altobeli Da Silva (BRA)

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