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Derek Miles

Bella Vista's First Olympian!!!


Derek Miles Makes Olympic Pole Vault Finals!

Bella Vista High School graduate Derek Miles (class of 1991) made history for the BV track program becoming our first ever Olympian by placing third in the pole vault (19' 1/4") at the 2004 US Olympic trials!!!  Congratulations Derek we couldn't be more proud!  Scroll down for more pictures (pics available in high resolution).  

 
Link to results with event summary and quotes Dyestatcal.com
Derek Miles Pole Vault Photo Sequence @ 2004 Olympic Trials - by Dave Casper
Men's pole vault final: Olympic berth caps Miles' homecoming - Sac Bee
Derek Miles Bio - USATF
SacBee Article on BV Grad Derek Miles!

Derek (left) accepting award on victory stand

Derek (left) accepting award on victory stand (cropped)

DEREK MILES, Nike - On making the Olympic Team: "It's exciting, it's a dream come true. I'm no spring chicken: I'm 31. I know this stadium so well. I jumped here in high school. It was nice to be at home at my parents' house this week, staying in the room I grew up in."

Talking to fans after qualifying

After qualifying for the Olympics everyone was all smiles.  Derek with three of the BV track coach legends (well... two are legends... one just has bad taste in hats).  From left Joe Bonanno, Derek Miles, Dave Unterholzner (Coach U... bad hat), Larry Fletcher.