Personal information | |
---|---|
Nationality | American |
Born | 21 October 1999 |
Sport | |
Sport | Athletics |
Event | 3000m steeplechase |
College team | Brigham Young University |
Turned pro | January 2024 |
Achievements and titles | |
Personal best(s) | 3000m steeplechase: 8:17.62 (Walnut, 2023) |
Kenneth Rooks (born 21 October 1999) is an American track and field athlete. He won a national title in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Rooks began competing professionally for Nike in 2024.
Rooks attended College Place High School in Walla Walla, Washington. [1] He won multiple state titles in cross country and track, and he recorded personal bests of 1:53.56 for 800 metres, 4:11.40 for the mile, and 9:20.86 for 3200 metres. [2] During his first two years of college at Bigham Young University, Rooks did not participate in athletics due to his time spent in Kampala, Uganda as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [3]
On 6 May 2023, Rooks recorded a new personal best in the 3000m steeplechase, running 8:17.62 in Walnut, California. [4] It was the second fastest ever by a collegian, and the fastest time in the world at the time. It also broke a 46-year-old school record set by Henry Marsh. [5]
In June 2023, competing for Brigham Young University, he won the 2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships title in the 3000m steeplechase, at the event held in Austin, Texas. [6] His winning time of 8:26.17, set a new stadium record. [7]
Competing at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, in Eugene, Oregon, he finished first in the final of the 3000m steeplechase. [8] The victory came despite Rooks falling during the race, and having to work himself back to the front of the race. [9] Rooks said he has prepared mentally for how he would react if he fell during the race, and took inspiration from former national champion Henry Marsh who would often race from the back of the field. [10] He was selected for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023, in which he finished tenth in the final. [11] [12]
Rooks announced his decision to compete professional for Nike in January 2024. [13]
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