Hillary Bor, Evan Jager and Donn Cabral kicked things off for Team USA by winning their respective preliminary rounds of the men's steeplechase.

In his first Olympic appearance, Bor stayed patient throughout his section and accelerated after the final water jump to win in 8:25.01 over Soufiane Elkbakkali. Two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi finished third-- in lane 4.

Jager made his second-consecutive Olympic final in dominant fashion. He looked relaxed during the race, moved to the front at the bell lap, and extended his stride over the final 100m to win in 8:25.86. After running 8:00 in this event last summer, but failing to medal at the world championships, Jager showed poise and control and will look to earn his first global medal in two days time.

Cabral made his second Olympic final by finishing in third-place his the final prelim, nearly two seconds ahead of the next competitor. The 2012 finalist (where he finished in eighth) let the others do the work throughout the race and was in fifth at the bell lap. He finished within a second of heat winner and gold medal contender Conseslus Kipruto.

Auto Qualifiers:
8:21.40 Conseslus Kipruto (KEN)
8:21.53 Jacob Araptany (UGA)
8:21.96 Donn Cabral (USA)
8:25.01 Hillary Bor (USA)
8:25.17 Soufiane Elkbakkali (MAR)
8:25.51 Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN)
8:25.86 Evan Jager (USA)
8:26.25 Brimin Kipruto (KEN)
8:26.32 Mahiedine Mekhissi (FRA)

Time Qualifiers:
8:23.12 Amor Yahia (TUN)
8:23.49 Yoann Kowal (FRA)
8:26.27 Matt Hughes (CAN)
8:26.59 Altobeli da Silva (BRA)
8:26.72 Yemane Haileselassie (ERI)
8:27.69 Hamid Ezzine (MAR)

The men's steeplechase final will take place on Wednesday, August 17 at 9:50AM CST.