BUDAPEST, Hungary—South Dakota alumnus Chris Nilsen '20 advanced through the qualifying round of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest early Wednesday morning.
 
Nilsen was one of two Americans to clear the advancing height of 18-10 ¼ (5.75m) and qualify for Saturday's final. Nilsen is the reigning World silver medalist from the 2022 World Championships in Oregon and the reigning Olympic silver medalist.
 
Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Nilsen was a three-time NCAA Champion for the Coyotes. He was a seven-time All-American, taking at least bronze at each NCAA Championship meet held during his collegiate career. He owns South Dakota's indoor and outdoor pole vault records.
 
The men's pole vault final at the 2023 World Championships is slated for Saturday at 12:25 p.m. Central. Nilsen and reigning Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis of Sweden will go head-to-head with the action being streamed live on Peacock.