PINE BLUFF, Ark — Earlier this month, UAPB high jumper Caleb Snowden placed third at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore.
Now, he's preparing to go to the historic Hayward Field with an even larger goal in mind–making the U.S. Olympic team that'll compete in Paris this summer.
"I expected to win," Snowden said. "That's what I was going for, but coming from last year's outdoor season. I went from 11th to third. I feel like that's a lot of improvement."
Snowden's 2.26m (or roughly 7'5") mark is the sixth highest at the upcoming trials. He needs to make the top three to punch his ticket to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. In addition, Snowden will need to obtain the Olympic standard of 2.33 (or roughly 7'6") to compete at the Olympics.
Snowden only started track and field later on in high school, but going to the Olympics became a dream for the Florida native when he began to blossom as a high jumper at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Jumping at the trials and potentially making Team USA is also an excellent opportunity for Snowden to get the exposure he needs to sign a professional contract.
"I would choose to continue jumping professionally," Snowden said. "It's a big opportunity for me. I'm just ready to go out and do my best."
The Olympic Trials officially start on Friday. Snowden's event, the men's high jump, doesn't begin until June 27. Peacock will stream the event.