Former Track Star Jumps 10 Spots In Final Leg

BYU Alum Kenneth Rooks Earns Olympic Silver Medal in 3000m Steeplechase

Former Track Star Jumps 10 Spots in Final Leg

BYU News

PARIS, France - Former BYU track star Kenneth Rooks earned an Olympic silver medal Wednesday after he jumped 10 spots in the last leg of the 3000m steeplechase.

Rooks, who competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics for Team USA, finished the race in 8:09.25, just behind Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto, who won the gold medal in 8:08.10.

The silver medal is a major accomplishment for Rooks, who is a two-time NCAA champion in the steeplechase. He is also the first BYU athlete to win an Olympic medal in track and field since 1984.

"This is an incredible feeling," Rooks said after the race. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and to win a medal for Team USA."

Rooks' performance was even more impressive considering that he was not one of the favorites to medal in the steeplechase. However, he ran a strong race and was able to pass several runners in the final lap to earn the silver medal.

"I'm just so proud of Kenneth," said BYU track and field coach Ed Eyestone. "He's worked so hard for this, and he deserves everything he's achieved."