17-Year-Old Track and Field Athlete Explains the True Push Behind His Milestone Achieved in the USATF Nationals From determination to triumph, learn how this 17-year-old track and field athlete went o

Sometimes life gives you a sign, you’re in the wrong place, and it’s time to move on to bigger goals. For 17-year-old Victor Olesen, that moment came after years in gymnastics. Burned out, he found a new passion: Pole vaulting. “My gymnastics coach introduced me to my current pole vault coach once I burnt out of gymnastics,” Olesen shared with Nike. Stepping into the unfamiliar territory of track and field, he embraced the challenge, believing he could achieve greatness.

And now, this year, he has pushed himself to claim victory at the U20 USATF Championships, defending his title and even breaking his record. For Olesen, clearing the elusive 18-foot barrier was everything.

Back in March at the Nike Indoor Nationals, the St. Christopher’s (VA) senior thought he had finally conquered it.