Wilson battles injuries, secures spot in Olympics

When former Hoosier Aarik Wilson left IU in 2005 he had earned ten All-American honors. Just one year earlier, Wilson competed in the Olympic Trials, but did not go to Athens after he finished 14th with a jump of 52-9.5 feet.\nFour year later it’s a much different story as Wilson won the triple jump at the trials with a jump of 57-2.25 feet on Sunday night to book his spot on the 2008 Olympic team. \nKiwan Lawson, who earned All-American honors this year for the Hoosiers in the long jump was a teammate of Wilson’s and expressed his pride in what Wilson accomplished. \n“I’m so glad he won it,” Lawson said. “He’s always been a great person and a phenomenal athlete.”\nThis season has not been easy for Wilson as he has battled injuries throughout, something his coach Wayne Pate said makes this extra special. \n“We are excited,” Pate said. “Especially after the season he has had.”\nWilson competed in the finals of the triple jump in Eugene, Ore., with four stress fractures in his jumping foot. His jump also set a new Hayward Field record, which is one of the most historic tracks in the world. \nDepending on how Wilson feels he might compete in a couple more meets before the Olympics. His coach said they will assess how he feels and make a decision.