Evan Jager 8:35.94 11th place - May 31 2025 - Nikaïa meeting in Nice, France

I desperately wanted Kevin Sullivan to move up to the 5000m. But when he was past his competitive peak he said he started as a miler, he was going to retire as a miler. I think Jager’s past his window to move up—and that window doesn’t always open up to better options. My guess is he retires as a steeplechaser.

It's just sad he's going to finish with an 8 flat (with a fall) PR. I thought that was just the start of great things for him.

What's funny is that everyone has forgotten that Jager moved down. He was originally a 5000m runner. But he saw the opportunity to be a medalist at 3000m steeple because he was a natural for it, and took that opportunity and made the most of it. He was good, but not medal-competitive at 5000m, so why move back up to it at the end of his career when he'll be even worse than he was in his early 20s? He is a steeplechase legend in the USA and probably wants to go out that way.

No, just the U.S.

I doubt he "enjoys" finishing mid-pack in G-league meets, 20 seconds behind the winners.

Is it still worth it for the $$$? Maybe, but it's a chore, not an enjoyable activity.

That's a nice rust buster! No reason he can't make massive improvements as he peaks for Eugene.

I was thinking more of like to the roads - half/marathon. Obviously Jager's chances aren't good at the 5000 either.

Jager is training through these meets. He is peaking for the US Championships. It is still within the realm of possibility he qualifies for the world championships in Tokyo.

Well Jager will not qualify for the US team. Even if training through, if he cannot run 8:22 or so, he has no chance.

The issue is Jager is past his prime. It doesn’t matter what event he chooses, he cannot be among the best in the US anymore. There is no shame in that. He was probably a 12:50, 7:57 steepler with today’s tech.

Has he qualified for USA's?

Yeah, very tough. Only one guy over 35 years old has ever broken 8:10:

worldathletics.org

3000 Metres Steeplechase - men - senior - all

Open link

how do you know how much he makes? prove it.

If you read the next sentence I suggest it may not be about money at all. Gotta say, there are some sad, weird people out there denigrating someone for continuing to compete in their "twilight years." It's like they take personal offense to it; as if Jager not running as fast as he used to someone causes direct harm to them. Anyway, have a nice day.