An American-born man has NEVER won a gold medal in a mid-d/distance event at the IAAF World Championships. That may change thanks to Evan Jager.

Everyone prepares for the steeplechase in their own way, from the Olympic champion who claims he never practices hurdling to Evan Jager, who works on his hurdle form every week. LetsRun.com consulted the experts to explore the differences between the top Kenyan and American steeplers and the importance of hurdle form.

We highly praise Conseslus Kipruto who unseated the GOAT, Ezekiel Kemboi, at the Olympics, and had one of the greatest years in steeplechase history. At just 22 years old, Kipruto could stay at the top for some time. We also give out accolades for the amazing career that Paul Kipsiele Koech enjoyed.

Wilson looks to be in good shape but has her hands full in a truly spectacular women's 800 with Caster Semenya, Francine Niyonsaba and all of the medalists from 2015. There's also Elijah Manang'oi in the men's 1,500, Trayvon Bromell in the 200, Justin Gatlin in the 100, Wayde van Niekerk in the 400, Marquise Goodwin vs. Greg Rutherford in the LJ, English Gardner vs. Elaine Thompson in the 100 and Gianmarco Tamberi in the HJ. *MB: Official 2016 Rome Golden Gala Diamond League Discussion Thread.

Conseslus Kipruto failed to medal at Worlds but the rest of his season was so good he earns the #1 ranking. *LRC Evan Jager Is "Extremely" Disappointed He Didn't Break 8:00 Or Medal This Year But Realizes He Made Big Strides Jager: "I feel like I made a huge jump in fitness from years prior. I took myself to a new level of athlete and really proved to myself that I was one of the best steeplechasers in the world and not just hoping I was one of the best."

There were doubts surrounding Kemboi's fitness this year, but once Worlds came around, he did what he always does, blowing away the field over the final 200 to win in 8:11.28. Conseslus Kipruto managed second despite tearing his shoe on the final water jump, while Brimin Kipruto (3rd) and Jairus Birech (4th) helped produced an unprecedented 1-4 sweep for Kenya. Dan Huling (5th) was the top American as Evan Jager (6th) and Donn Cabral (10th) struggled.

It's Jager vs the Kenyans in the USA-Kenyan dual meet as Kenya and the USA have the top 7 entrants.

Jairus Birech reigned supreme this year, winning six of the seven DL events to go with a gold medal at the African Championships. Evan Jager was the clear U.S. #1 and enjoyed a PR (and American record) 8:04.71 in Brussels in September. Canadian Matt Hughes sneaks into the top 10 as well.

What a meet!!! The women's 800 (world indoor champ Chanelle Price vs outdoor champ Eunice Sum), the women's 3000 (Genzebe Dibaba versus Hellen Obiri and Mercy Cherono) and men's steeple (clash between Olympic champs Ezekiel Kemboi and Brimin Kipruto) are all pretty amazing.