MUSCATINE, Iowa–Since Tyler Olson could walk, he ran. Even before he started track and field with the Youth Sports Foundation in fifth grade Olson has fond memories of the children’s Watermelon Stampede for as far back as he remembers. “Track was always something that I enjoyed; I was always running as a little kid and felt like I had a strong talent for it, he recalled.

As Olson grew up, he found that track and field provided a great outlet for his competitiveness and gave his a chance to meet others with similar talents both on and off the track. By the time he joined he track team at the University of Iowa, he knew he wanted to place as a Big 10 medalist.

In his senior season though, Olson experienced difficulties that he feared would make his goals unattainable. “I have been dealing with an injury to my Achilles throughout my season and just a few months ago wasn’t sure I would be able to compete,” he shared.

However, he refused to give up on his dreams and dedicated himself to succeeding this season. With assistance from his coaches and family, he found ways not only to keep competing but to thrive. “My athletic trainers, lifting coach, and event coach adjusted training for me and came up with a plan to get
through the season, so just being able to compete felt like a big step, and they deserve a lot of credit for the success I had,” he said. “I also couldn’t have done it without the great support I get from my parents, Bret and Stacy, and my little sister, Kate.”

Tyler Olson, front, competing at the Big 10 championship. Photo courtesy Tyler Olson.

His training throughout the season paid off, as Olson made it to the Big 10 Championship, running in both the 600 meter race and the 400 meter relay. He met with great success, with his team placing third in the 400 meter relay and second individually in the 600 meter race.

A strong student, Olson completed a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in December and will soon complete a minor in business administration. Once he finishes school, he hopes to remain in eastern Iowa and pursue a career in engineering.

Though Olson’s athletic career has taken him to many high places, he still has many good memories of the start in track and field that he got in Muscatine: “There are a lot of great memories I have from growing up in Muscatine. One that sticks out to me is running in the Watermelon Stampede 5K with my dad when I
was nine or 10 and raced him to the finish line,” he recalled fondly. “I also have a lot of great memories
from high school track and cross country with my coach Chris Foxen who was such an influential part of my life and success in track and field.”