Video: Track star sets national pole vault record
Park Hill's Chris Nilsen sets national record with insane vaultSenior Chris Nilsen of
Park Hill (Kansas City, Mo.) made history at the Missouri Class 5 Section 4 meet on Saturday, and his girlfriend just couldn't hold her excitement.
Nilsen pole vaulted an incredible 18 feet, 4 3/4 inches to set a national high school record, and the 6-foot-5 South Dakota commit immediately sprang up off the mat and displayed a look of utter disbelief as his girlfriend rushed over and embraced him.
"That was pretty much the best moment of my life," Nilsen said.
He broke the record established by Shawn Barber of Kingwood, Texas, in 2012. He also finished his memorable afternoon by nabbing his second sectional title with a 6-6 high jump.
Nilsen will look to claim his second-consecutive Class 5 state title in the pole vault next weekend.
If Nilsen clears 18 feet, 5 3/4 inches, he'll qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.
