Is superstition keeping Olympian Evan Jager from cutting his big hair?
Regardless of the criticisms and pressures from his coach and others to cut it off, Jager of Algonquin said he’s ready to run fast at the Olympic Games with the hair in tow, the Daily Herald reported.
Jager stepped up his game Friday, running 11 seconds faster than he did for the Olympic trials, finishing third and setting an American record in his first international steeplechase race at the Herculis meet in Monaco.
But some still say the hair has to go.
Coaches and runners are constantly thinking of ways to run faster, from wearing tight spandex clothing to donning lightweight shoes and short hair. Jager might be the exception, though.
The local runner has kept his long locks since high school and told the Daily Herald he doesn’t want to psych himself out. He also said his hair gives him comfort, though he ultimately believes cutting it will trim seconds off of his time.
Jager eventually plans to cut it all off but wants to keep his hair for the rest of the year.
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He competes in Round 1 of the steeplechase on Aug. 3.
To catch some of your favorite Olympians in action at the 2012 London Games NBC will have full coverage July 27- Aug. 12
