"I realized I was starting to open up a little bit of a gap and I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, am I going to win?’ I probably was looking around way too much. But in my mind I was like, ‘Is this really happening right now? That’s what was going through my head. It was just adrenaline and just taking in the moment of, ‘Wow, this is incredible. Is this really happening?’ Then just trying to dig deep to finish the race."
Kenneth Rooks just brought home a silver medal in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase at the Paris Olympics. How’d he do it? Well, if you haven’t watched the race yet. Go on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel, watch it and then pick this podcast back up because he comes from the back of the pack to nearly pull off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. His final time of 8:06.41 shattered his personal best by an astounding nine seconds and makes him the second-fastest American ever in this event.
Kenneth’s past 14 months have been amazing. Just a year ago, he was relatively unknown on the international stage, but after winning the NCAA title, the U.S. Championships in dramatic fashion by falling and getting back up and now an Olympic silver, he’s shown the world what he’s capable of. We have at least two past episodes with Kenneth that you can go back and listen to.
In a race dominated by the likes of world record holder Lamecha Girma and defending Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, Kenneth’s surge in the final lap put everyone on notice. He boldly took the lead with 400 meters to go, and although El Bakkali eventually reclaimed the top spot, Kenneth’s audacious run secured him a place in history.
It was one of the biggest surprises of the Games but Kenneth takes us through why he believes it was possible, the training it took to get there and why he believes he can go a little faster. He’s just 24 years old and just getting started.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Kenneth Rooks | @kenneth_rooks on Instagram
TIME STAMPS
5:35 - Reflecting on his experience at the Olympics
7:12 - The support he received from his family and the BYU community
10:09 - His improvement between the U.S. Trials and the Olympics
14:04 - What stood out most from the steeplechase prelim
16:06 - When he shifted his mindset to going for a medal + his race plan
19:41 - Rai Benjamin’s parting words to him before the final
20:26 - Breaking down the bell lap of the final
23:02 - “The Kenneth Rooks side-eye”
27:15 - Reactions after finishing the steeplechase final
30:05 - Coach Ed Eyestone’s reaction to him getting silver
31:12 - How he celebrated after
32:35 - What's next for him this season
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Kenneth Rooks is an American track and field athlete specializing in the steeplechase. Known for his competitive performances, Rooks has made a significant impact in collegiate athletics, showcasing his talent in various national and international events.
Soufiane El Bakkali is a prominent Moroccan middle-distance runner specializing in the 3000 meters steeplechase. He gained international recognition after winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and securing numerous podium finishes at World Championships and Diamond League events.
Rai Benjamin is a prominent American track and field athlete born on July 27, 1997. Renowned for his speed and agility, he has excelled in both sprinting and hurdles, holding numerous personal bests including a remarkable 400m hurdles time of 46.17 seconds.
Lamecha Girma is an Ethiopian middle-distance runner specializing in the 3000 meters steeplechase. He has made significant impact on the international stage, winning multiple medals in major championships including silver at the World Athletics Championships. Known for his powerful finishing kick and tactical prowess, Girma continues to be a formidable competitor in the steeplechase discipline.
