Jager Misses Medal in Olympics Steeplechase
LONDON (CBS) – Algonquin-native Evan Jager finished sixth in the final of the Men's Steeplechase Sunday at the London Olympics.
Jager had a time of 8:23.87 but that was five seconds off the time of the gold medalist Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya who finished at 8:18.56.
Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France took the silver in 8:19.08, while Kenya's Abel Kiprop Mutai won the bronze in 8:19.73.
Jager earned a spot in the Men's Steeplechase Final after finishing second in his qualifying heat on Friday. The Algonquin-native and 2007 Jacobs High graduate finished with a time of 8:16.61 to qualify for the final.
Jager is the American record holder in the Steeplechase. Believe it or not, Friday's finish was just his sixth time running the race. The 23-year old took up the Steeplechase on a whim after competing in 1,500-meter and 5K. This was his first Olympics appearance.