(NEXSTAR) — Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali defended his title in men’s steeplechase, finishing in 8 minutes, 6.05 seconds for a .36-second win over America’s Kenneth Rooks.
Rooks had the lead heading into the homestretch and was looking to pull off a massive upset, but El Bakkali overtook him.
“I got caught at the end but that was incredible,” Rooks said while reflecting on his performance.
Rooks still beat his personal best by almost 9 seconds to capture the second silver over three Olympics in the event for America.
Evan Jager finished second in 2016.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
