Kenneth Rooks
USA- Early Life and High School Career
- College Career (BYU Cougars)
- Professional Career (2024-Present)
- 2024 Olympic Games and Silver Medal
Early Life and High School Career
Born in College Place, Washington, Hobbs grew up in a small town where athletics were a significant part of life. He attended College Place High School, where he excelled in both cross country and track and field. During his high school years, Hobbs won multiple state titles and set impressive personal records in the 800m (1:53.56), mile (4:11.40), and 3200m (9:20.86).
College Career (BYU Cougars)
After graduating from high school, Hobbs decided to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) on an athletic scholarship. However, his college career was initially interrupted by a two-year mission trip to Kampala, Uganda, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning to BYU, Hobbs quickly established himself as a top performer in the 3000m steeplechase.
In 2023, Hobbs broke the school record in the steeplechase with a personal best time of 8:17.62. He also won the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the same event. His success at the collegiate level earned him a spot on the United States team for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he finished tenth.
Professional Career (2024-Present)
After turning professional in January 2024, Hobbs joined the Nike team. He immediately made an impact on the circuit, winning the 3000m steeplechase in the US Olympic Trials with a time of 8:21.92.
2024 Olympic Games and Silver Medal
Hobbs made his Olympic debut at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. In a thrilling final, he fought back from a fall to take the lead on the bell lap. Despite a late surge from world record holder Lamecha Girma and reigning Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, Hobbs held off the competition to claim the silver medal with a personal best time of 8:06.41. This performance marked a significant achievement for Hobbs and further solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.
