Hammer Time at the Olympic Trials

Logan Hammer, Utah State University pole vaulter from Nampa, Idaho, is currently competing in the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials in track and field. These trials started June 21 and will end June 30.  

Hammer, rising junior studying bioveterinary science, has pole vaulted for USU for two seasons, ending this last season by setting a school record at 5.62 meters and winning the title of Mountain West Outdoor and Indoor champion for pole vault.  

Hammer spoke of his excitement to compete in the trials, calling it a “dream come true.” 

“It’s essentially me and all the people I’ve looked up to since I was 15 in this sport,” Hammer said. “It’s a once, maybe twice-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

Hammer said he was excited to represent USU in the trials, and Artie Gulden, USU’s director of track & field and cross country, agreed. 

“We are super proud and excited that Logan will have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Trials,” Gulden said. “This experience should be the cherry on top of his fantastic season, both for him and our jumps coach Erik Rasmussen.” 

Hammer said his goal going into the trials was to have fun and to try to relax enough to get “in the zone.” 

“One of my biggest difficulties was learning how to relax,” Hammer said. “During training, we didn’t change much. We just focused on getting the fine-tuning down.” 

Pole vaulting is a very technical sport, according to Hammer. If an athlete jumps just a few inches too early, they won’t get a jump high enough. However, if they jump too late, they might crash into the bar. He said there’s a lot that goes into getting consistently excellent jumps. 

“It’s about getting my foot down and my hands up,” Hammer said. “I need to do what I know how to do.” 

In his first day at the trials, Hammer cleared a 5.4-meter jump on his first attempt, tying for 20th place. 

“To get 20th at the Olympic Trials as a sophomore is incredible,” Gulden said. “Logan should be very proud of his performance.” 

Hammer said he couldn’t do what he does without the support of those who love him, namely his fiancee, Emily, and his family 

“They’ve always been there to support me,” Hammer said. “My fiancee and family show up to my meets.”  

He said one thing that truly helped him was the love and patience his loved ones and coaches showed on the bad days, not just the days he won championships and set records. 

“They loved me even through struggles,” Hammer said. “My coach was super patient.” 

Hammer shared his gratitude for the support Utah State has given him. He said the current plan is to keep working while celebrating the victories he’s achieved this season and to take it one jump at a time. 

“The main thing was to set that goal and work towards it,” Hammer said. “I’m focused on enjoying the moment — taking it bar by bar.”