Did you know the Illinois is home to a top-ranked and two-time Olympic steeple chaser? Evan Jager, an Algonquin native, is the current American record holder and reigning four-time USA champion in the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase, which is foot race that includes ditches and hurdles the runners must clear.
Born on March 8th 1989, Jager attended Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. During his high school career, he won three individual state championship titles and one relay title.
After graduating high school in 2007, Jager attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he competed for the Wisconsin Badgers. However, his collegiate career was short. In 2008, he signed a professional contract with Nike, forfeiting his remaining NCAA eligibility.
In the following years, Jager completed at the professional level and trained to become an Olympian. On August 5 2012, after years of dedication and hard work, Jager competed in the Olympics for the first time, finishing 6th in the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase final. Over four years later Jager was fortunate enough to once again represent team USA during the 2016 Olympics in Rio. On August 17, Jager won the silver medal at the behind Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya with a time of 8:04.28.
Jager continues to training and is feeling optimistic with the summer Olympics in Tokyo on the horizon.
