SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A recent University of South Dakota alumnus will compete for a spot on the US Olympic team Monday.
Former Coyote pole vaulter Chris Nilsen is one of 12 pole vaulters who qualified for finals during competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Generally the top three competitors in each event head to the Olympics. The finals are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT Monday.
Nilsen, ranked fifth in the world by World Athletics, was one of six vaulters who cleared the first four bars without a miss.
Nilsen was one of two Coyotes competing in the 25-man field. USD senior Ethan Bray cleared three bars including 5.60m (18-feet-4.5-inches). He missed thrice at 5.65m (18-feet-6.5-inches), a mark that would have equaled his collegiate best set during the NCAA indoor season back in February. He placed 15th overall.
(Bryan Boettcher, USD Sports Information, contributed to this report.)
(Photo via jenaragon94 / CC BY 2.0 )
