As a general norm, human beings naturally try to avoid puddles while walking or running.
That holds true in the steeplechase. Except, getting wet is inevitable.
On the final turn of each of the event’s seven laps, runners must navigate a water jump, first by leaping over a hurdle and then trying to land in the shallow part of the pool to keep their momentum forward and minimally impacting their times.
The combination of leaping into water, clearing hurdles and running long distances makes the steeplechase an arduous event. Former University of Wisconsin runner Evan Jager, who will compete in the event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, knows that from firsthand experience.