American pole vaulting excellence was on full display at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, as Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen led a commanding 1-2-3 U.S. sweep with a winning clearance of 5.82m.
Chris Nilsen, known for his smooth technique and competitive composure, made it look easy as he soared over the bar at 5.82m. He clinched the victory and reaffirm his position as one of the world’s top vaulters.
Fellow Americans KC Lightfoot and Keaton Daniel followed closely, securing second and third place respectively. Lightfoot cleared 5.74m, marking a season’s best. Daniel also notched a season’s best with a clearance of 5.66m, sealing the all-American podium.
China’s Zhong Tao also cleared 5.66m. He equaled Daniel’s mark, but finished fourth on countback, just missing out on a podium spot in what was a tightly contested field.
Records set by Nilsen
Nilsen is a six-time NCAA Division I First Team All-American, and a three-time NCAA Track and field Pole vault champion. He holds South Dakota Coyotes school records in the Pole vault indoor 5.80 m (19 ft 0 in) and outdoor 5.86 m (19 ft 3 in).
He set American & NACAC outdoor pole vault U-20 record 5.75 m (18 ft 10 in). Furthermore, he set American & NACAC indoor pole vault U-20 record 5.70 m (18 ft 8 in).
Meanwhile, he was honored as 2017 Summit League Indoor Field Athlete of the Year. Also as a 2017 Summit League Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.
The sweep is a strong statement from the American men’s pole vault squad. The team continues to build momentum towards the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later September.
With all three athletes showing sharp early form, the U.S. is once again proving its depth and dominance in the discipline.