![[VIDEO] Noah Lyles look away! US track star gets raucous reception in Utah after surprise Olympics sliver](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/27082024/6a31b589-3eee-4ed3-81cb-f8eb3096199b.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The American runner, who claimed a shock silver medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Olympics, received a heroic reception back home for doing what no one expected from him.
American runner Kenneth Rooks will not be complaining of a low-key reception like his colleague Noah Lyles after getting a heroic welcome back home for his Olympics heroics.
Rooks upset the formbook to win a silver medal in 3,000m steeplechase against all odds at the Paris Olympics, when he clocked a personal best time of 8:06.41 behind defending champion Sofiane El Bakkali of Morocco, who timed 8:06.07, while Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot claimed bronze in 8:06.47.
It was a shocking performance from Rooks who was surprised himself by what he had achieved and back home in Utah, his friends, colleagues and family were left in delight.
Unlike his other Olympians who returned home after the Paris Games, Rooks delayed his return to feature in Sunday’s Silesia Diamond League and when touched down Salt Lake International Airport on Monday, his college team organized a surprise for him.
“It’s all about welcoming home the conquering hero,” Ed Eyestone, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Track and Field coach, told KSL TV.
The BYU team trained with Rooks to prepare him for the Olympics and made sure to turn up at the airport to celebrate his accomplishments when he arrived.
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The Olympic champion has expressed his disappointment at the lukewarm reception Team USA athletes received back home despite their successful outing in Paris.
“The guy who upset the world by putting his nose in and almost winning the 3,000m steeplechase at the Paris Olympics. His victory is their victory, really,” added Eyestone.
Rooks admitted to have been surprised by both his win and the reception which will act as further motivation for more success.
“Yeah, I was not expecting it but it was an awesome surprise to come home and have the welcome home with the men’s and women’s team and everyone else,” said Rooks.
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“It’s crazy to think and say that I’ve done that. It was exciting to be a part of that and to live that moment and for that to become a reality.”
Rooks was, however, not able to replicate his Olympics form in Silesia where he finished 16th in 8:35.19.
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