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Jager advances to steeplechase final at 2016 Rio Olympics
August 15, 2016 | Men's Track & Field
American record holder wins his section to move on to Wednesday’s final
RIO DE JANEIRO – Former Wisconsin men's track and field standout Evan Jager punched his ticket to the men's steeplechase final at the 2016 Rio Olympics with a victory in the second section of the qualifying round Monday morning at the Olympic Stadium.
The North American record holder in the steeplechase, Jager won his section in 8 minutes, 25.86 seconds, more than 25 seconds off of his personal best of 8:00.45 set last year in Paris.
"That was exactly what I wanted," Jager said. "I just wanted to stay on the rail and relax as long as I possibly could and make sure I made in the top three."
Jager started the race in fifth but moved up to second with 800 meters after passing three runners with a move outside.
Following the second-to-last water jump, Jager moved into first where he would remain for the final 500 meters. Â
A native of Algonquin, Illinois, Jager will race in the steeplechase final on Wednesday at 9:50 a.m. CT, which can be seen live on NBC.
"I am just trying to be ready for any type of race," Jager said. "I don't want to go in there hoping for a fast race and have it be slow and have that bother me. I'm just going to allow whatever to happen and try to do my best."
Jager, who finished sixth in the steeple at the 2012 London Games, looks to become the first American to medal in the event since Brian Diemer earned bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
"The last few years medaling has been my expectation," Jager said. "I tried to force it last year in Beijing (at the world championships) and I think that really bit me in the butt, so I am going to try to stay focused on the first 2600 meters and stay relaxed. Hopefully by doing that I will put myself in the best position to do well."
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The North American record holder in the steeplechase, Jager won his section in 8 minutes, 25.86 seconds, more than 25 seconds off of his personal best of 8:00.45 set last year in Paris.
"That was exactly what I wanted," Jager said. "I just wanted to stay on the rail and relax as long as I possibly could and make sure I made in the top three."
Jager started the race in fifth but moved up to second with 800 meters after passing three runners with a move outside.
Following the second-to-last water jump, Jager moved into first where he would remain for the final 500 meters. Â
A native of Algonquin, Illinois, Jager will race in the steeplechase final on Wednesday at 9:50 a.m. CT, which can be seen live on NBC.
"I am just trying to be ready for any type of race," Jager said. "I don't want to go in there hoping for a fast race and have it be slow and have that bother me. I'm just going to allow whatever to happen and try to do my best."
Jager, who finished sixth in the steeple at the 2012 London Games, looks to become the first American to medal in the event since Brian Diemer earned bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
"The last few years medaling has been my expectation," Jager said. "I tried to force it last year in Beijing (at the world championships) and I think that really bit me in the butt, so I am going to try to stay focused on the first 2600 meters and stay relaxed. Hopefully by doing that I will put myself in the best position to do well."
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