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by | Mar 28, 2018 | Gunnera

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Kenneth Rooks (born October 21, 1999) is an American track and field athlete. Originally from College Place, Washington,[3] Rooks represents Nike and will compete for Team USA in the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Early life and youth sports

Rooks attended College Place High School in College Place, Washington.[4] He won multiple state titles in cross country and track, and he recorded personal bests of 1:53.56 for 800 metres, 4:11.40 for the mile, and 9:20.86 for 3200 metres.[5] During his first two years of college at Brigham Young University, Rooks did not participate in athletics due to his time spent in Kampala, Uganda as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[6]

Collegiate competition

On 6 May 2023, Rooks recorded a new personal best in the 3000m steeplechase, running 8:17.62 in Walnut, California.[7] It was the second fastest ever by a collegian, and the fastest time in the world at the time. It also broke a 46-year-old school record set by Henry Marsh.[8]

In June 2023, competing for Brigham Young University, he won the 2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the 3000m steeplechase, at the event held in Austin, Texas.[9] His winning time of 8:26.17, set a new stadium record.[10]

Senior competition

Competing at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Eugene, Oregon, he finished first in the final of the 3000m steeplechase.[11] The victory came despite Rooks falling during the race, and having to work himself back to the front of the race.[12] Rooks said he has prepared mentally for how he would react if he fell during the race, and took inspiration from former national champion Henry Marsh who would often race from the back of the field.[13] He was selected for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023, in which he finished tenth in the final.[14][15]

Rooks announced his decision to compete professional for Nike in January 2024.[16]

References

  1. ^ Payne, Jackson (January 12, 2024). "BYU track and field star Kenneth Rooks turns pro, signs with Nike". Deseret News. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Southwick, Landon. "Run Elite Program Welcomes Five New Athletes to Their Elite Team". Run Elite Program. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  3. ^ Morrow, Jeff (June 13, 2023). "College Place grad wins NCAA Track and Field title + CBC coach added to NW hall of fame". Tri-City Herald. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  4. ^ Morrow, Jeff (June 13, 2023). "College Place grad wins NCAA Track and Field title + CBC coach added to NW hall of fame". Tri-City Herald. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  5. ^ "Kenneth Rooks - Men's Track & Field 2023". BYU Athletics - Official Athletics Website - BYU Cougars. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Toone, Trent (June 12, 2023). "Latter-day Saint returned missionary Kenneth Rooks wins NCAA championship in steeplechase". The Church News. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "NCAA Track: BYU's Rooks runs to title in steeplechase". Daily Herald. June 10, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  8. ^ Robinson, Doug (June 10, 2023). "BYU's Kenneth Rooks wins steeplechase in NCAA championships showdown". Deseret.com. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  9. ^ "Men's Steeple: Kenneth Rooks Powers Away to Win with Big Final 600". Lets Run. June 10, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  10. ^ Battaglia, Joe (June 10, 2023). "Kenneth Rooks Of BYU Wins Men's 3000m Steeplechase At NCAA Championships". flotrack.org. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  11. ^ "Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone coasts to 400 win at US track and field championships in her newest event". thespec.com. July 8, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  12. ^ Mack, Gordon (July 9, 2023). "BYU's Kenneth Rooks FALLS In Steeple STILL WINS US Title!". Flotrack.
  13. ^ Monti, David (July 9, 2023). "Krissy Gear, Kenneth Rooks surprise with steeplechase titles: USA Championships". World-Track. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  14. ^ "Men's 3000m Steeplechase Results: World Athletics Championships 2023". Watch Athletics. August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  15. ^ Gault, Jonathan (August 7, 2023). "USATF Announces 2023 World Championship Roster". letsrun.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  16. ^ Payne, Jackson (January 12, 2024). "BYU track and field star Kenneth Rooks turns pro, signs with Nike". Deseret News. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
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