Kenneth Rooks made an impressive mark with his performance in the men’s steeplechase at the Paris Olympics. Rooks, demonstrating incredible stamina and strategic acumen, finished his last 500 meters in a rapid 73 seconds, equivalent to a 58.4-second lap pace over the barriers. As he approached the final water jump, it was clear he was pushing hard, daring competitors with a “Catch me if you can” mentality.
In the world of Olympic Games, the pursuit of gold often overshadows other remarkable achievements. Yet, for U.S. fans, Kenneth Rooks’ thrilling final-lap sprint in the men’s steeplechase was anything but understated. The 24-year-old BYU graduate from Walla Walla, Washington, surged past seven competitors in the final straight, breaking away and leading for a brief period. He ultimately secured the silver medal with a time of 8:06.41, improving his personal best by 8.67 seconds and solidifying his place as the second-fastest U.S. steeplechaser of all time.
With his silver medal proudly displayed, Rooks attended Track & Field News’ Olympic Tour luncheon at the Aéro-Club de France. Sporting Team USA gear from earlier that day and accompanied by his wife Taylor, as well as his parents and in-laws, Rooks shared his exhilarating journey to the podium with the luncheon guests. His story of rising to Olympic success was both engaging and inspiring, reflecting his determination and the support of his team.
In an interview conducted by T&FN Editor Sieg Lindstrom, Rooks discussed his unexpected success. While he acknowledged that his medal was indeed a surprise, he credited his coach, Ed Eyestone, for his belief in his abilities. Rooks had some confidence in his potential to medal, particularly due to his strong closing performances. He approached the race with a mindset of giving his best effort without regrets, embracing the possibility of a top finish.
Rooks recalled a pivotal moment from the USATF nationals last year, where he overcame a significant setback to win the race. This resilience and strategic thinking were key aspects of his approach. For the Paris race, Rooks and Eyestone had prepared for various scenarios, including a fast pace. Their plan involved staying close enough to react to late-race moves, a strategy that proved effective as Rooks executed it flawlessly.
When asked about the spontaneous nature of his final-lap surge, Rooks explained that there was no specific plan for that moment. Instead, his strategy was to remain close enough to respond to any changes in pace. As he took the lead, he felt a mix of disbelief and determination, ultimately holding on for silver despite the challenge from defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali. Rooks’ ability to manage the pace and make a decisive move under pressure was a testament to his training and mental preparation.
Reflecting on his training, Rooks shared insights into his steeplechase workouts, including a mix of tempo and speed sessions. One notable workout involves alternating between running over hurdles and on the flat, which helps build the specific skills needed for the steeplechase. Rooks noted that his training had been faster and more focused since the Olympic Trials, which contributed to his impressive performance in Paris.
The steeplechase found Rooks partly due to his coach’s insight and his own athletic background. Having participated in various sports growing up, Rooks was seen as a good fit for the steeplechase. His early successes, including qualifying for the NCAA Championships as a freshman, set the stage for his continued progress and eventual Olympic achievement.
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