As many of you know, I was a D-I Track and Field hammer thrower. I feel like I wouldn’t have had the college experience I did if I wasn’t a thrower. Every event in track is hard in its own way. I have a lot of respect for the Pole Valters! I’m a daredevil, but I don’t have the courage to run with a stick and try and fling my body over a height. So much can go wrong! If you are a pole vaulter, you are my hero! When I stumbled across this story, I had to share.
Last Sunday (May 9th) there was the USATF meet at Mt. Sac (which is a fun meet)! Former South Dakota Pole Vaulter Chris Nilsen was at that meet. He proved he’s one of the best in the USA… I mean WORLD by vaulting 5.91m which converts to 19-4.75 according to Argus Leader. What an athlete! Here’s the thing, that wasn’t even his personal best. Back in 2019, he vaulted 5.95m or 19-6.25!
He is set to go to the Olympics if they happen, which means Nilsen is the favorite going into the games. To give you perspective the Olympic standard (aka the minimum height to get you into the Olympics) is 5.75m or 18-10.25. He shattered that requirement! He continues to prove that he has the ability to not only represent South Dakota well but also the United States. I can’t wait to follow him and see all the amazing accomplishments he achieves in the next few years.
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