Meet the Bulls: Laura Olson

The intensity of the atmosphere infuses the adrenaline as it rushes through the arms, shoulders, hips, back and legs.

That powerful energy is then transferred to a pole to create a magnificent one motion jump that reaches incredible heights.

Laura Olson feels the exhilaration of pole vaulting as she continues to break records for the UB track and field team. This senior sociology major has been breaking records in the pole vaulting division since high school.

Olson grew up in Lyons, NY surrounded by acres of open land. Her childhood consisted of outdoor adventures with her sister Mary and brother Eric.

"We had a close relationship with each other, there were no other houses for about a mile," Olson said.

Softball and soccer were her first loves, but when she broke her finger her sister inspired her to run track.

"Pole vaulting was a new event at my high school and I wanted to try it." Olson said.

Her experiment with this new event would lead to an outstanding pole vaulting career.

Olson enjoyed running sprints and relays, but once she was introduced to pole vaulting her enthusiasm craved the challenge.

"Pole vaulting is exciting, intense, challenging, but fun."

Her outstanding ability in the sport was seen early on at Lyons H.S. She won the Section V class C in 1999 and 2000, qualified for the 2000 Penn Relays and placed seventh in the National Scholastic Indoor Championship Qualifier.

She has a strong drive for perfecting her pole vaulting record, as seen through her four years here at UB, as her determination and dedication for the sport are shown by numerous achievements.

Olson's accomplishments at UB are exceptional. She has broken her own record on more then one occasion, earning her first conference title with her winning mark of 13-1.75 (4.01m) by breaking the school record she had set at the Penn Relays in April. She then broke her own record again on Feb 7, 2004 by two and three-quarter inches, thus improving her standing for the upcoming ECAC Championships.

Olson tied for second in the women's pole vault competition on Saturday, Feb. 27 in clearing 13-1 (3.99m) tying her with Kent State's Jackie Rodgers.

Setting and breaking record after record, Olson soon will have competition under wraps.

"It takes a long time to learn and perfect pole vaulting but you have to be ready to jump right in."

5 Random Questions

1.) If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

A: Europe or somewhere I can see clear, blue water.

2.) What winter sports do you like?

A: I like watching Hockey, there is something always interesting happening in hockey.

3.) Do you like the snow?

A: No.

4.) What is your favorite food?

A: Brownies.

5.) What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

A: She-Ra: Princess of Power.