USD alumnus Chris Nilsen wins ticket for the Olympic Games in Paris

from: USD Athletics

Posted: June 23, 2024 / 10:49 p.m. CDT

Updated: June 23, 2024 / 10:49 p.m. CDT

EUGENE, Ore. (USD) – South Dakota University graduate Chris Nilsen (class of 2020) will represent the U.S. team in the men’s pole vault at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Nilsen was one of three men to clear 19-3 (5.87 m) in the competition, securing his ticket to Paris. In addition to Nilsen, Sam Kendricks and Jacob Wooten will represent the United States in the men’s pole vault in Paris. Kendricks set a meet record of 19-5 (5.92 m) on Sunday, ending Nilsen’s streak of three consecutive U.S. outdoor titles. Nilsen and Wooten finished in second place.

Nilsen has won medals on the world stage four times. His trophy case includes silver medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, bronze medals from the 2022 World Indoor Championships, silver medals from the 2022 World Championships and bronze medals from the 2023 World Championships. His personal best from the 2022 season is 19-10 ¼ (6.05 m).

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Nilsen was a three-time NCAA champion for the Coyotes. He was a seven-time All-American and earned at least bronze at every NCAA championship during his college career. He holds the South Dakota indoor and outdoor pole vault records.