Former BYU runner Kenneth Rooks takes silver, nearly pulls upset in steeplechase

PARIS (AP) — Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali defended his title in men’s steeplechase, finishing in 8 minutes, 6.05 seconds for a .36-second win over America’s Kenneth Rooks.

Rooks had the lead heading into the homestretch and was looking to pull off a massive upset, but El Bakkali overtook him. Rooks still beat his personal best by almost 9 seconds to capture the second silver over three Olympics in the event for America.

Evan Jager finished second in 2016.

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MORE:BYU runner Kenneth Rooks describes dramatic victory after falling during race

(KUTV) Former BYU runner, Rooks, made internet fame in July 2023 when he won the national championship in the men’s steeplechase in Oregon.

Just over two minutes into the race, Rooks fell down. Video of the race showed he not only got back up, he caught up with the other runners and came across the finish line in first place.

“I’ve won a lot of races, and there’s been a lot of really cool moments,” he told 2News at the time, “In this race – being able to fall and get back up – it’s a special moment.”

The Olympic steeplechase was also a special moment for Rooks. Throughout the race he was caught in the pack, but in the last lap, Rooks kicked into another gear and passed the rest of the field - including El Bakkali.

Over the final stretch, El Bakkali was able to move out in front. It became a two-man race against Kenya'sAbraham Kibiwot for second place.

Rooks found another gear and pulled ahead of Kibiwot at the line to take the silver medal.

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