Evan Jager made an impressive 2018 steeplechase debut when finishing third at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday, the Bowerman Track Club athlete in a photo finish with Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto, both athletes credited with the same time of 8:11.71.
The race was won by Kenya’s Benjamin Kigen in 8:09.07.
“I felt pretty good," said Jager. I felt like I was in a great rhythm. I was focusing on staying relaxed and Jerry [Schumacher] gave me the green light to do what I wanted. I didn’t want to make a move today and instead see what I could do over the last 200. I probably could have been a little more aggressive.”
Jager will now turn his attention to the US Championships before focusing on a tilt at the eight-minute barrier in Monaco in July.