BOZEMAN — Montana State’s Duncan Hamilton put on a show at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships earning first-team All-American status in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, but he’s not done just yet.
On Monday he’ll be competing for a chance to represent the United States at this year’s Olympic Games.
“It’s incredible," Hamilton smiled. "I mean, it’s a dream come true for sure, just to cross off so many goals in one weekend is amazing. I still can’t believe it.”
During his preliminary race last week, Hamilton had the race of his life, recording not only a new school record but also an Olympic qualifying time by one one-hundredth of a second.
“I was going crazy," Hamilton chuckled. "I knew it was going to be close. I finished my race. I was looking up at the board as they were entering the times, and I knew I was pretty much right with them. It showed up at 8:31.99, and I just screamed. I was like, 'I can’t believe it.'”
It’s a time he’s been manifesting and working toward the past two years.
“I had 2020 Trials written big across my mirror for a while," Hamilton said. "When that got canceled I was obviously bummed, but it kind of helped me a little bit because I got an extra year to train and get faster.”
Hamilton further proved his belonging at the Olympics Trials in his finals race, shaving off nearly half a second for an improved record of 8:31.55.
“It just validates two years of training and working towards this," Hamilton said. "It’s definitely a huge switch to go from NCAAs and being kind of near the front of the pack and now being definitely in the back of the pack, but I think the goal is another PR and to make finals.”
Hamilton will run in the first round of races on Monday, June 21.
