South Dakota
South Dakota alumnus Chris Nilsen qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympics
South Dakota alumnus Chris Nilsen will represent Team USA in the men’s pole vault at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nilsen is a four-time medalist on the world stage. He was one of three men to clear 19-3 (5.87m) in the Olympic Trials and secure his ticket to Paris. Sam Kendricks ended Nilsen’s streak of three-straight U.S. outdoor titles, setting a meet record with a 19-5 (5.92m) leap. Nilsen and Jacob Wooten tied for second.
Nilsen’s trophy case includes a silver medal from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, a bronze medal from the 2022 World Indoor Championships, a silver medal from the 2022 World Championships and a bronze medal from the 2023 World Championships. His personal best of 19-10 ¼ (6.05m) came during the 2022 season.
Nilsen was a three-time NCAA champion for the Coyotes. He was a seven-time All-American, taking at least bronze at each NCAA Championships held during his collegiate career. He owns South Dakota’s indoor and outdoor pole vault records.