Evan Jager Breaks American Steeplechase Record!

Felt like this needed it's own post for now. Jager finished 3rd in 8:06.81, behind Conselus Kipruto (World Junior Champ) and Paul Koech. Absolutely incredible. Broke the old AR by nearly 2 seconds, and this is just his 5th or 6th steeple race. At the Diamond League Monaco Meeting Herculis.

Let's put this in perspective:

In just his 5th attempt at the distance, he sets an American Record. He is now the fastest American to ever run this event. He has amazing potential, and I predict that he will break 8 minutes. Watching him run was a thing of beauty; you look at him and then look at the Kenyans, and he's as fluid as they are. He's so strong, and his hurdle technique is better than theirs. He just lacks their finishing speed, but I believe he'll develop that. He does, after all, have a very fast mile to his credit. And his strength comes from a 13:22 5000m that he's got to his name.

Obviously he's not the fastest miler, or fastest 5000m runner, but he's got amazing range and is very versatile.

I, for one, am just excited to see what he's going to do in a few weeks. Could this be a Great White Hope?