The Steeplechase is a bizarre sideshow in the world of track, a 3,000-meter obstacle course, involving several jumps into pools of water, was originally meant to be ridden on horseback. In modern times, the Olympic event has been dominated by Kenyans and those from other African countries.

So why, then, is American Evan Jager determined to medal at the steeplechase in Rio? Because his journey makes him the most prepared American to do so in a generation.

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Produced and edited by Alexander Abnos, reported by Lindsay Schnell with help from Chris Chavez and Beth Maiman.

This episode features the song "Steeplechase Bound" by Al Duvall (alduvall.bandcamp.com/album/coroner-knives)