Freshman Vaulter Wastes No Time

If you type freshman Nico Weiler’s name into Google, it won’t take you long to realize that he is a pole vaulter, now beginning his first season of track and field at Harvard. Then you’ll realize something else—he’s really good.

“I think he’s going to be extremely successful,” Harvard Coach Will Thomas says. “The sky’s the limit for Nico as far as what he can accomplish this year and the next four years of college.”

Last weekend the track and field team opened its season in Boston at the Husky Winter Carnival. Weiler won the pole-vaulting event in a three-way tie vaulting 4.72 meters on Saturday.

This vault puts Weiler ninth on the all-time Harvard history list for vaulting, an impressive feat after only one meet. The accomplishment is even more striking considering the vaulters opted for short approaches in the early-season meet and therefore were not able to get up to their top speed.

“He really knows the event,” sophomore pole vaulter Sean Gil says. “It’s enjoyable to train with him because he knows all of these intricacies of pole vaulting.”

Weiler entered his freshman year at Harvard with an impressive resume. Not only was he the 2006 Under-18 World Champion, but he also set the Under-18 World record for the event. Additionally, he was named NSIC All-American twice and won the state championship in California in both 2007 and 2008.

The rookie has shown a lot of promise and certainly has a shot at attending the track and field national championships this year—not to mention what he may accomplish over four years.

“He’ll be competing at the national level [this year],” Thomas says. “That’s why he’s here, and that’s the goal.”

Weiler will not only be a vital member of the team by providing key points, but also by pushing his fellow teammates to improve.

“It’s always good to have a competitive training partner,” Gil says, “especially when he’s a little bit better than you. It pushes you. You never have a day where you can slack off.”

Though originally from Stuttgart, Germany, Weiler attended high school in southern California, where he amassed a majority of his vaulting accolades. With an eclectic background, he brings more than just high vaults to the team.

“He’s a fun guy to be around,” Gil says. “He’s seen a lot of the world. That always makes someone interesting.”

Though off the field, teammates say Weiler is a jokester, it’s all business for the freshman when it comes to pole vaulting.

“His work ethic is second to none,” Thomas says. “On the track, he’s the first one there, and you usually have to kick him out. His work ethic is inspiring to a lot of kids on the team. His dedication is probably one of the strongest I’ve seen.”

Weiler experienced minimal cramping at the last meet and may not be able to vault again until January, but Coach Thomas isn’t worried. The Crimson can expect great things from this talented freshman over the next four years.

Weiler should continue to be a success in the Ivy League and may even surpass the number one vaulter in Crimson history, Geoff Stiles ’79, who vaulted 17 feet 3 inches at the NCAA championship in 1979. The closest anyone has gotten to Stiles is Steven Brannon ’97-’98, who came within five inches in 1995.

At Gordon Track, the Crimson’s home turf, a large sign lists the men’s and women’s all-time best performances. With Weiler gaining the ninth spot in Harvard history at his first meet, it is almost guaranteed he will join some of the greatest athletes up on that board one day.