Bella Nilsen: From Gymnast to Oregon’s Pole Vault Standout

Bella Nilsen has emerged as one of the University of Oregon’s most promising pole vaulters, blending a background in gymnastics with technical precision to excel in collegiate track and field. Born in Bellevue, Washington, Nilsen’s journey from high school state champion to NCAA contender exemplifies resilience, versatility, and academic dedication.

Early Life and High School Dominance

Transition from Gymnastics to Track

Nilsen’s athletic journey began in club gymnastics, where she trained for over a decade. At Newport High School (Bellevue), she transitioned to track and field, discovering a passion for pole vaulting. Her gymnastics foundation—emphasizing body control, spatial awareness, and fearlessness—proved instrumental in her rapid ascent.

Record-Breaking Performances

• 2022 WIAA 4A State Championships: Won the pole vault title with a personal best of 13-1.5 (4.00m), cementing her status as Washington’s top vaulter.

• Multi-Event Talent: Also qualified for state in the 100m hurdles (11th) and long jump (14th), showcasing her versatility.

• National Recognition: Placed 11th at the 2021 Nike Outdoor Nationals at Hayward Field, foreshadowing her future collegiate home.

Collegiate Career at the University of Oregon

Freshman Breakthrough (2022–2023)

Nilsen joined the Ducks in 2022, quickly adapting to NCAA competition:

• Indoor Season: Cleared 3.80m (12-5.5) at the Ken Shannon Last Chance meet, signaling her potential.

• Outdoor Season: Set a personal best of 3.95m (12-11.5) at the Oregon Preview, finishing as runner-up in her Hayward Field debut.

Continued Ascension (2023–2025)

• 2024 Season:

  • Won the Oregon Twilight meet with a vault of 3.78m (12-4.75).

  • Cleared 4.14m (13-7) at the Ken Shannon Last Chance meet, ranking among Oregon’s top vaulters.

• 2025 Season:

  • Set indoor/outdoor collegiate bests of 4.19m (13-9) at the Graduate Classic.

  • Competed at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and NCAA West Prelims, solidifying her status as a consistent performer.

Technical Profile and Training

Nilsen’s success stems from meticulous technique and explosive power:

• Approach and Plant: Utilizes a 6-7 stride approach, optimizing speed-to-lift conversion.

• Gymnastics Synergy: Leverages aerial awareness from gymnastics for precise bar clearance.

• Consistency: Maintains an 85%+ foul-free rate in competition, a testament to her technical discipline.

Academic and Personal Pursuits

• Major: Pursues degrees in Business Administration and Spanish, balancing athletics with academic rigor.

• NIL Engagement: Active in Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities, offering personalized shoutouts, appearances, and social media content (@bellanilsenn) to connect with fans.

• Community Impact: Mentors young athletes through clinics, emphasizing the importance of multi-sport backgrounds and mental resilience.

Legacy and Future Trajectory

Nilsen’s journey from Newport High to Oregon’s historic track program has inspired Washington’s next generation of vaulters. Her goal to breach the 4.30m (14-1) barrier aligns with aspirations of competing at the NCAA Championships and beyond. Coaches praise her work ethic and ability to thrive under pressure, traits that position her as a future leader in the sport.

In Her Words:
“I fell in love with pole vault because it combines the adrenaline of gymnastics with the individuality of track. Every jump is a puzzle to solve.”

Bella Nilsen continues to redefine her limits, proving that discipline and adaptability can transform childhood passions into collegiate excellence. As she vaults toward new heights, her story remains a beacon for aspiring athletes navigating the intersection of grit and grace.

Go Bella!