RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Evan Jager knows steeplechase history about as well as anyone.
Like, how difficult the Kenyans are to beat and how the Americans haven't captured an Olympic medal since 1984.
Hence, Jager's raw emotion at the finish line when he updated that particular piece of history Wednesday.
The 27-year-old from Algonquin, Illinois, ran a strong tactical race to earn a silver medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing one second behind Kenyan winner Conseslus Kipruto's Olympic record time of 8 minutes, 3.28 seconds. Two-time Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi finished third.
"I think I had the perfect race today," Jager said.