SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) – South Dakota track and field alum Chris Nilsen captured his first U.S. Championships gold medal in pole vault and punched his ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Nilsen, cleared the winning height of 19-4 ¼ (5.90m) following a perfect competition. He is a 2020 graduate of the University of South Dakota, and was a three-time NCAA Champion for the Coyotes.
Nilsen heads to Tokyo ranked fifth in the world this season
This marks Nilsen’s first Olympic games.
South Dakota has six athletes competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials this week. Next up to compete are a trio of Coyotes who take the stage on Thursday – Lara Boman (hammer throw), Emily Grove (pole vault) and Ben Hammer (discus).
(USD Press Release)
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