PARIS -- Olympian Evan Jager spent his Independence Day in style, setting a new men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase American record at the Meeting AREVA Saturday, July 4. Jager bested his own American record of 8:04.71 by finishing second in Paris on Saturday, crossing in 8:00.45 for a pending American record.

Jager (Algonquin, Illinois) was aggressive throughout the race, pushing the pace especially in the final two laps. The race was Jager’s for the taking, and with just a barrier remaining, Jager looked to be on his way to the first sub-8:00 performance in American history. Giving it all he had, Jager stumbled following his clearance of the last barrier, but recovered to finish second and crush his previous best by over four seconds.

Jager now owns seven of the top 10 U.S. steeplechase performances all-time and won the USATF title in the event just a week ago.

Fans can watch Jager’s performance and all the action from the Diamond League in Paris by tuning in to beIN SPORTS from 2-4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 5.

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