Evan Jager’s super candid LetsRun retirement interview: Paris 2015 fall, Olympic silver, Fancy Bears, Alberto & Jerry
By LetsRun.comEvan Jager retired this week after a career that helped redefine what was possible for American distance runners. From the 2015 Paris race where he came oh so close to breaking 8:00, to his Olympic silver, to his Diamond League win, he had one of the most influential careers in American distance running history.
Shortly after announing his retirement, he sat down with LetsRun.com for a long, thoughtful, and open conversation about the moments that defined him. Jager discussed how he wants to be remembered, how he helped change the expectations for American distance runners, the Paris fall that became the race of his life, the Olympic silver that shocked the world, and the difficult periods involving injury and controversy.
But he also talked about things not discussed elsewhere. Jager talks honestly about the Fancy Bears leak, tension with Alberto Salazar, about always remaining loyal to Jerry Schumacher, and about the emotional toll of the sport. Below are several highlights from the conversation.
Transforming the American Distance Mindset
Jager did not set out to be a pioneer, but that is exactly what he became. He spoke directly about how he hopes people see his effect on the sport.
I want to be remembered as playing a part in changing the steeple landscape in the US. I want to be remembered as a good all around runner, one of the best Americans to ever do it. But also someone that people think was a good person… I always wanted to try to be the nicest person that I could be to everyone. If people think of me with those things, I’m good with that.
The Defining Race: Paris 2015
Every American fan who watched the race live remembers vividly when Jager fell in Paris while on the cusp of becoming the first non-African to break 8:00 in the steeple. Jager gives a detailed inside look at what he was thinking before and after the fall, and how that moment changed his confidence forever. Hearing him break it down is one of the most powerful parts of the interview.
Olympic Silver: Proving 2015 Was No Fluke
Jager also revisits the Olympic silver medal that confirmed he belonged at the very top of the world stage. He talks about the confidence he carried into Rio, the strategy, and what the medal meant after years of chasing that breakthrough.
Fancy Bears: “I would love an apology”
In one of the most candid sections, Jager addressed the Fancy Bears leak that had on and how he feels about being on a list that had him as “likely doping.”
I would love [an apology]. That would be awesome… At the very least, they should apologize for having it in their system that athletes are like likely doping… and I literally didn’t do anything.
Alberto vs Jerry, NOP vs Bowerman
Jager opened up about some of the tension between Alberto Salazar, Jerry Schumacher, the NOP, and Bowerman. He acknowledged the tougher moments in straightforward terms:
I’ve learned from my running career that it’s not always flowers and rainbows and you gotta deal with the shit sometimes.
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This was one of our favorite interviews of 2025. But right now the full talk is only for LetsRun.com Supporters Club members.
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