Evan Jager took the silver medal at the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase on Wednesday, the best finish by an American in the event since 1952. It’s been more than 30 years since the United States had even medaled in the event, winning bronze in 1984.
Evan Jager’s silver medal in steeplechase is the best American finish since 1952
Jager finally helped the United States break its long drought in men’s steeplechase.
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
The 27-year-old Jager finished with a time of 8:04, shy of Conseslus Kipruto’s Olympics record run of 8:03.3 that earned him gold. Jager overtook Kenya’s Ezekiel Kemboi on the last stretch, quickly extending his lead past him after the final hurdle and showing emotion as he coasted through the finish line behind Kipruto -- who, to be fair, slowed down significantly during the last dozen meters.
Jager is the North American record holder in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 8:00.45, something he came within a few seconds of on Wednesday. His medal was the United States’ 85th total in Rio, and the 29th silver.
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