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Jager qualifies for Olympic finals in steeplechase

Evan Jager, a graduate of Jacobs High School, qualified Friday for Sunday's final in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Jager finished second in the preliminary qualifier in England Friday, behind Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France.

The top four qualifiers from each of the three preliminary rounds will compete Sunday in the finals.

Jager finished the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 8:16.61, a half second behind the front-runner, but a full second ahead of Abel Kiprop Mutai of Kenya.

Athletes jump over water during the men’s 3000m steeplechase heats at the 2012 Summer Olympics at Olympic Stadium on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in London. Associated Press
United States’ Evan Jager, right, and Turkey’s Tarik Langat Akdag compete in a men’s 3000-meter steeplechase heat during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. Associated Press