The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
U.S. Olympic Trials
Watson scratches from Olympic Trials due to injury
07.04.2016 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Pole vaulter unable to compete in final on Monday
EUGENE, Ore. – Pole vaulter Reese Watson took advantage of the opportunity of being the last athlete accepted into the Olympic Trials in his event by qualifying for the final. Unfortunately, Watson suffered a minor injury during the qualifying round Saturday which flared up during warmups for the final on Monday.
The opening bar was set at 5.40 meters (17-8.50) just like the qualifying round. Watson said he may have been able to clear that bar, but knowing it would have taken a minimum clearance of 5.70 meters (18-8.25) to make the Olympic team he decided to shut it down to avoid serious injury.
"I might have been able to go out there and put a 40 together, but I definitely didn't have the Olympic standard in my legs today," he said. "I didn't want to risk getting injured again and having to start from ground zero."
With plans to test the professional waters for at least a year, Watson said that played a part in his decision to not jump on Monday.
Nonetheless he was thankful for the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Trials this weekend and perform well enough to advance to the final. Seeing Sam Kendricks break the Olympic Trials record was a site to see and also helps him see what he needs to do to succeed at the next level.
"Today, I got to watch the meet record get broken, and I definitely got some work to do. That's what I'm seeing here. It was a great experience."
The Trials will have an off day on Tuesday and resume action on Wednesday with the men's and women's hammer throw. Texas will return to action on Thursday with a handful of current and former Longhorns set to compete during the second weekend of the Olympic Trials.
Fans can keep up with the action online with live results provided at USATF.org. NBC and NBC Sports Network will be providing television coverage as well as online streaming. Updates on the Longhorns can be found on the team's official Twitter account @UTexasTrack.
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