Nelson Qualifies for 400H Finals at NCAA Championships

RESULTS | PHOTO GALLERY

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Gustavus track & field team began competition at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships, led by Birgen Nelson (Sr., Edina) and Megan Geraets (So., Mankato). Nelson competed in the 400-hurdles prelims and Geraets the 200-meter prelims to start the weekend.

Nelson, in her third national meet appearance, qualified for the 400-hurdles final with a time of 59.41. Nelson placed second in her heat and third overall. Nelson will race in the 100-hurdle prelims tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. CDT before competing in the 400H finals Saturday.

“The goal was to survive and advance to the finals, and it’s pretty cool knowing that if all goes as planned I will be an All-American again,” said Nelson following her first race of the weekend. “I’m really excited for the 100-hurdle heats, and especially the final. It’s not very often that I get to run against so many talented women, and everybody in that heat is so deserving of being here. It will be a great opportunity for me to run fast.”

Geraets, in her first national meet appearance, finished 18th overall in the 200-meter preliminary race, finishing with a time of 25.07.

“I’m ecstatic. I’m so excited to be able to run and be here to compete. Coming here was definitely a dream, and I’m glad I got to have this experience, and hopefully I can continue to get better and come back again,” said Geraets after her 200-meter performance.

The Gusties continue competition tomorrow, beginning with Annika Poe (Sr., Big Lake) in the shot put at 3 p.m. CDT.