Six years ago senior track athlete Tyler Olson was not sure what he was going to do with his spring, but he was not about to sit at home and do nothing.
“I joined track back in seventh grade because I didn’t know how to play baseball or golf,” said Olson. “I did know how to run however, so I figured that track would be a great fit for me.”
Throughout middle school, Olson got better and better and by the time high school came around he was ready to compete at the varsity level.
“In my freshman year I was able place third in the 1oo at sections,” said Olson. “I was only one spot away from making it to state.”
Olsen excels at more than just the 100 meter dash. His speed and athleticism have led to success in other events as well.
“Now I run the 200 and 400 primarily,” said Olson. “I used to do high jump and be in relays along with the 100, but jumping hurt my legs and I didn’t feel like I was at my best in the 100. I felt like I was more of a middle distance sprinter.”
His success hasn’t happened by accident. A lot of sweat and hard work is put in during the off season to prepare for each spring.
“I had a lifting program that I did two to three times a week. I also did plyo-metrics and some sprinting drills along with lifting,” explained Olson. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it.”
This track season has made it tough for Olson to showcase his blazing speed. Most of the track meets have been canceled due to the prolonged winter.
“It’s frustrating,” said Olson. “Reaching goals is difficult when you can’t run because of the weather.”
With less than five track meets left in the season, there is a very short amount of time for these goals to be reached. Olsen has set the bar high for himself.
“I want to place top three (in the state) in the 400 and the 200, and break one or two school records,” he said.
o”I am very excited to run in college,” said Olsen. “Joining a new team and racing new people is going to be a ton of fun.”
The road hasn’t always been easy, but Olson is very thankful for the journey. The benefits of track have far outweighed any struggles.
“Track may have kept me out of trouble in the past few years,” said Olson. I have never really been a trouble maker but maybe track has something to do with that. I don’t know where I would be without track.”
