The University of Akron Athletics
Ludwig Set to Compete in Olympic Pole Vault for USA Track and Field in Tokyo
July 29 | Track & Field
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AKRON, Ohio. - University of Akron track and field alum Matt Ludwig has been added to the United States Olympic Track and Field team and is set to compete in the preliminary round of the men's pole vault competition in Tokyo on Friday, July 30 at 8:40 p.m. ET.
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The preliminary round is slated for 8:40 p.m. ET on Friday with the top-12 qualifiers advancing to the finals slated for 6:20 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
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Ludwig will become the third Zip to compete in the pole vault at the Olympics joining Shawn Barber (Canada) and Annika Roloff (Germany), who took part at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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An alternate in the men's pole vault after placing fourth at the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., in June, Ludwig was added to the squad after the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced on Thursday that Sam Kendricks, 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist and two-time reigning world pole vault champion, had tested positive for COVID-19.
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"It's been a long and sleepless night, with many conversations, but my dreams of being an Olympian will become a reality," Ludwig commented. "I can't thank my family, friends and support system enough for keeping me level-headed and assisting me in the rapid preparation for this trip. I'm an Olympian!"
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Ludwig eclipsed a season-best mark of 19-0.25 (5.80m) at the Olympic Trials on June 21. By virtue of his finish, Ludwig was named as the alternate for the United States team.
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Ludwig cleared the opening five heights of the competition besting the bar at 17-10.50 (5.45m), 18-4.50 (5.60m), 18-8.25 (5.70m) and 18-10.25 (5.75m) before equaling a season-best mark of 19-0.25 (5.80m).
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Ludwig missed on his opening run at 19-2.25 (5.85m) before passing his remaining two attempts. Needing one successful clearance at 19-4.25 (5.90m) to secure a berth in the Olympics, Ludwig was unable to better the bar and punch his ticket to Tokyo.
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"Our hearts go out to Sam Kendricks," Akron head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell said. "He has been a great ambassador for this country, and this is very unfortunate for him. Matt will have some big shoes to fill, however, he is very deserving. This is his first opportunity to represent his country and what an honor. This is a dream come true to be an Olympian. He has a couple of tough travel days ahead of him, but he is a professional, so he is used to some crazy flights and travel. Regardless, he will need to ride the adrenalin, of this great opportunity, to help get him through the prelims on Saturday (Friday for us). If he can get through that, then he will get a couple of days to get his body to catch up for the finals. First things first, make it through the prelims."
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The 2020 United States Indoor Champion, Ludwig was slated to travel to China for the IAAF World Indoor Championships a year ago before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the championships.
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OLYMPIC TIMETABLE/RESULTS | WATCH LIVE (SUBSCRIPTION MAY BE REQUIRED)
Â
AKRON, Ohio. - University of Akron track and field alum Matt Ludwig has been added to the United States Olympic Track and Field team and is set to compete in the preliminary round of the men's pole vault competition in Tokyo on Friday, July 30 at 8:40 p.m. ET.
Â
The preliminary round is slated for 8:40 p.m. ET on Friday with the top-12 qualifiers advancing to the finals slated for 6:20 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Â
Ludwig will become the third Zip to compete in the pole vault at the Olympics joining Shawn Barber (Canada) and Annika Roloff (Germany), who took part at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Â
An alternate in the men's pole vault after placing fourth at the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., in June, Ludwig was added to the squad after the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced on Thursday that Sam Kendricks, 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist and two-time reigning world pole vault champion, had tested positive for COVID-19.
Â
"It's been a long and sleepless night, with many conversations, but my dreams of being an Olympian will become a reality," Ludwig commented. "I can't thank my family, friends and support system enough for keeping me level-headed and assisting me in the rapid preparation for this trip. I'm an Olympian!"
Â
Ludwig eclipsed a season-best mark of 19-0.25 (5.80m) at the Olympic Trials on June 21. By virtue of his finish, Ludwig was named as the alternate for the United States team.
Â
Ludwig cleared the opening five heights of the competition besting the bar at 17-10.50 (5.45m), 18-4.50 (5.60m), 18-8.25 (5.70m) and 18-10.25 (5.75m) before equaling a season-best mark of 19-0.25 (5.80m).
Â
Ludwig missed on his opening run at 19-2.25 (5.85m) before passing his remaining two attempts. Needing one successful clearance at 19-4.25 (5.90m) to secure a berth in the Olympics, Ludwig was unable to better the bar and punch his ticket to Tokyo.
Â
"Our hearts go out to Sam Kendricks," Akron head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell said. "He has been a great ambassador for this country, and this is very unfortunate for him. Matt will have some big shoes to fill, however, he is very deserving. This is his first opportunity to represent his country and what an honor. This is a dream come true to be an Olympian. He has a couple of tough travel days ahead of him, but he is a professional, so he is used to some crazy flights and travel. Regardless, he will need to ride the adrenalin, of this great opportunity, to help get him through the prelims on Saturday (Friday for us). If he can get through that, then he will get a couple of days to get his body to catch up for the finals. First things first, make it through the prelims."
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The 2020 United States Indoor Champion, Ludwig was slated to travel to China for the IAAF World Indoor Championships a year ago before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the championships.
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