Rooks earns a silver medal
By Terry Murry on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PARIS – College Place High School track athlete Kenneth Rooks came from the back of the pack Wednesday to earn a silver medal in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase. He was the only American to qualify for the finals.
During the next to the last lap, Rooks made a move on the field and captured first place. Defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, who had been close to the front for the entire race, edged Rooks out of the lead at the final bend. El Bakkali’s time was 8:06.05. Rooks set a new personal best time of 8:06.41. The bronze medal went to Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot with 8:06.47. World-record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia crashed over the third to the last barrier while Rooks was leading, putting him out of the race.
Rooks took first place in the U.S. Olympic trials for the event. His time there was 8:21.92.
A track star at Brigham Young University, Rooks turned pro in January signing with Nike. He stayed in Provo, Utah and continued his training under BYU men’s track and field coach Ed Eyestone who prepared him for his performance in the 2024 Olympics.
Photo: Courtesy via BYU Athletics
