USD alumnus Chris Nilsen qualifies for second Olympics in pole vault – Mitchell Republic

EUGENE, Oregon – University of South Dakota graduate Chris Nilsen will return to the Olympics in the pole vault.

Nilsen secured his place in Paris by finishing second in the pole vault final with a jump of 5.87 meters (19 feet, 3 inches) at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Qualifiers on Sunday night at Hayward Field.

Nilsen reached Sunday’s final by placing in the top 12 in Friday’s preliminary round. Other Olympic qualifiers include Jacob Wooten, who tied for second with Nilsen, and Sam Kendricks, who won the event with a jump of 5.92 meters (19-5), setting a new U.S. Olympic qualifying record.

The former Coyote won the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he cleared 5.97 meters (19-7) and is also a two-time medalist at the World Championships. As the third-best pole vaulter in the world, he will look to compete for a medal again.

The preliminary round of the pole vault at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will take place on August 3, the final on August 5.

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