Helena’s Derrick Olsen participated in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the first time on Monday, competing in the 110 hurdles at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Olsen, a Helena High and Montana State graduate, finished the third heat with a time of 13.97 seconds, placing seventh in his heat and 31st overall. Despite a strong performance, he narrowly missed out on advancing as only the top six from each heat and the top three time qualifiers moved on to the semifinals.
Having trained with the Phoenix Track Club in Phoenix for the past year, Olsen took to lane five on Monday night wearing a white singlet and blue shorts. While he navigated the first seven hurdles smoothly, he hit hurdles eight and nine.
Olsen previously excelled in the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles at Helena High, where he set school records in both events. Originally pursuing football at Rocky Mountain College, he later transferred to Montana State and went on to set the Bobcats’ record in the 110 hurdles.
