Algonquin's Evan Jager wins silver in 3,000 meter steeplechase

Evan Jager knows steeplechase history about as well as anyone.

Like, how difficult the Kenyans are to beat and how the Americans haven't captured an Olympic medal since 1984.

Hence, Jager's raw emotion at the finish line when he updated that particular piece of history Wednesday.

The 27-year-old from Algonquin ran a strong tactical race to earn a silver medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing one second behind Kenyan winner Conseslus Kipruto's Olympic record time of 8 minutes, 3.28 seconds. Two-time Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi finished third.

"I think I had the perfect race today," Jager said. "I was just enjoying every second of it."

Before Jager, the Americans hadn't won a medal in the event since Brian Diemer earned bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. It's been a historic couple of days for the Americans in the distance events. On Tuesday night, Jenny Simpson became the first U.S. woman to win a medal in the Olympic 1,500 meters.

Jager certainly appreciates history.

"I do know how big of an achievement it is," said Jager, the American record-holder in an event that includes jumping over barriers and into water. "I don't know if it has hit me yet. The happiness has definitely hit me, but outside of that I haven't really thought about anything.

"It (crossing the finish line) was indescribable. It was a lot of years of hard work and daydreaming and dreaming about this moment with all of it coming true. Being able to truly enjoy the moment and those emotions and experiences. It all happened in five minute times. I was completely calm, I didn't know I had a medal wrapped up, basically in my head until I had 100m to go and as soon as I got over the last barrier I could enjoy it. That was very fun."

Jager, a Jacobs High School grad who was an all-American at the University of Wiscson, was ready for anything in this race, including Kipruto settling in behind him. Kipruto made his move and surged into the lead about the time the bell sounded. He began to celebrate shortly after leaping over the last barrier as he extended his country's streak to nine straight Olympic titles in the event.

No doubt, Jager knew that piece of trivia. And of course this: His silver was the highest an American has placed since Horace Ashenfelter won the race in 1952.

"My main focus today was trying to run the shortest distance possible, staying on the rail and just staying relaxed," Jager said. "Soon enough, the race kind of broke open and it was just us three and I just went back to thinking 'just stay relaxed and see what else happens' and I got two laps to go and I got past and I was able to just hang on and snag a silver."

Hillary Bor wound up eighth for the Americans by running a personal-best time. Bor is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and one of four runners of Kenyan descent who've taken a unique path to Rio by enlisting in the military, earning American citizenship and training with the Army's World Class Athlete Program. Bor's brother is currently serving in Afghanistan.

"I tried to hang in with them but I'm not ready for that kind of pace," Bor said. "I feel good with my effort and thinking of how I thought I would never be here but to come here and finish in the top-10. That is such an accomplishment. It's a good experience. I've never been in this kind of atmosphere."

One thing's for sure: Jager's got the attention of the Kenyans.

"Last year, when I was running with him in a Paris Diamond League (meet), he was stronger and I told the guys in Kenya, 'We must work extra hard to beat this guy,'" recounted Kemboi, who thinks Jager might be a world or perhaps Olympic champion one day. "He's a threat."

Asked if in some way a silver felt like a lot like a gold, given the dearth of history in the steeplechase, Jager simply responded, "No."

"It feels like silver, but I'm totally OK with silver," Jager added. "I think breaking up the Kenyans in the steeplechase, and just beating Kenyans in championship steeplechases, it's a very hard achievement.

"Since I started the steeplechase, it's been one goal of mine just to be in the mix with the Kenyans. Beating Kemboi, who has been so dominate over his entire career - and I believe is the greatest steeplechaser of all-time - it's a huge accomplishment for me and it makes me very proud."

Steeplechase final

Final results of the men's 3000 Steeplechase:

1. Conseslus Kipruto, Kenya, 8:03.28.

2. Evan Jager, United States, 8:04.28.

3. Ezekiel Kemboi, Kenya, 8:08.47.

4. Mahiedine Mekhissi, France, 8:11.52.

5. Soufiane Elbakkali, Morocco, 8:14.35.

6. Yoann Kowal, France, 8:16.75.

7. Brimin Kiprop Kipruto, Kenya, 8:18.79.

8. Hillary Bor, United States, 8:22.74.

9. Donald Cabral, United States, 8:25.81.

10. Altobeli da Silva, Brazil, 8:26.30.

11. Matthew Hughes, Canada, 8:36.83.

12. Yemane Haileselassie, Eritrea, 8:40.68.

15. Amor Ben Yahia, Tunisia, DQ.