Algonquin's Evan Jager Becomes First American Man to Medal in Steeplechase Since 1984

ALGONQUIN, IL - Algonquin’s Evan Jager has become the first American to medal in the men’s steeplechase since 1984 after he placed second in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Jager ran a strong race, taking the lead with four laps to go in the seven-lap race, which includes hurdles and water barriers. With one lap left, Jager was inched out by Kenyans Conseslus Kipruto and Ezekiel Kemboi. Kipruot took a clear lead but Jager was able to pass Kemboi in the final stretch to finish with a time of 8:00.28.

Watch parties were being held in Algonquin Wednesday morning as residents gathered to cheer on Jager, a 2007 graduate of Jacobs High School. At Jacobs, students packed the auditorium and chanted “USA” before the race got underway.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Algonquin opened early and served breakfast Wednesday morning for its watch party.

Joel Jager, Evan’s father, was in Rio to watch his son. The camera panned to him after Jager finished in second and he could be seen cheering and pumping his fists in celebration for his son.

Medaling in the steeplechase was a dream come true, Jager said in an interview on NBC following the race.

"Hopefully, I will inspire some really talented kids to come out and try the steeplechase and hopefully win a medal someday," he added.

This was Jager's second trip to the Olympics. Jager competed in the summer Olympics in 2012 where he placed in sixth in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase.

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• Algonquin's Evan Jager Advances to Finals in Men's 3000-Meter Steeplechase in Rio
• Jacobs Grad Evan Jager Prepares for Summer Olympics in Rio
• Algonquin's Evan Jager is Headed to the Summer Olympics in Rio
• Algonquin's Evan Jager Qualifies for Olympic Finals in London
• Evan Jager Places Sixth in Olympic Steeplechase; Community Shows Their Support