Associated Press-Appeal Staff Report
Triple jumper Aarik Wilson of Fallon has earned an Olympic spot in the Beijing Games.
Wilson, the 2007 indoor and outdoor U.S. champion, won the U.S. Olympic track and field trials with a leap of 57 feet, 21⁄4 inches Sunday in Eugene, Ore.
Before he went on to win the competition in the final round, Wilson earlier placed fifth in the round of six.
"I was just trying to hold it together," Wilson said. "I was so nervous being in fifth place. I saw my coach sweating from a mile away.
"I was just trying to think of everything he told me and make sure I got to the pit. Make sure I was on the board and get to the pit. That worked out. God carried me."
The 2001 Churchill County High School graduate reached a personal best last year when he leaped 57-81⁄4. He finished the season with a No. 4 world ranking.
Wilson said he has been competing in less than optimal condition.
"I haven't jumped in a while. I have been hurt," Wilson said. "I have a stress fracture so I haven't jumped much since May.
"Today I felt like I could put one together. I had to make sure I didn't let nerves get the best of me and make sure I got on the board."
Wilson said he rested as much as he could in order to compete for his chance at going to Beijing.
"I was diagnosed May 28," he said. "I haven't jumped. I haven't ran. I ran twice. I ran the day before I left to come here and I ran the day I got here.
"I was just praying a lot. I was just praying and hoping I could get one together. My tibia in my left leg has a stress fracture. The doctor told me it was going to take six to eight weeks for me to heal."
Wilson spent the last four years trying to improve after his failed attempt to make the Olympics in 2004.
An all-American at Indiana University, he finished 14th at the Olympic trials that year with a jump of 52-91⁄2.
In 2001, Wilson won his second Class 4A state high school title in the triple jump in record-setting fashion.
Triple jumpers Kenta Bell and Rafeeq Curry also are heading to Beijing. Bell was second at 56-61⁄2 and Rafeeq Curry recorded 56-53⁄4.
"You know what, the second time is better then the first time," Bell said. "This one was harder and I put a lot work into this.
"Things have been going rough the last couple of years, but to come in and hit a jump early felt really good."
Wilson wasn't alone in competing in less than 100-percent condition.
"I have had every injury that you can probably name and this is the best jump I've had since 2004." Bell said. "I am probably the oldest guy by three or four years on the runway, so to come out here and get it done is a great feeling."
Bell said he hopes to make the most of his upcoming trip to China.
"I expect to medal in Beijing," Bell said. "The first time I ever went to Beijing I won with the University games, so I think this is my place."
For his part, Curry said a big part of his approach had to do with the mental aspect of the competition.
"It was a nice competition, but it was nerve racking," Curry said. "Coming in I was confident and knew what I was capable of doing. I just had to settle my nerves."
While he didn't reach his goal of finishing first, Curry said he wasn't disappointed with his third-place finish."
"I'm really proud to be a part of this," Curry said. "I wanted to win, but I'm happy. I have another chance in Beijing. I know my friends and family are proud, so that feels good.
"Leading up to the Trials, I worked on my approach and I'll probably head over to Europe to stay sharp