Grand Valley State University student and athlete Erika Beistle competed for a spot on the USA Discus throwing team on Thursday, June 27.
She had previously thrown 61.68m, earning both a personal and GVSU record. With this performance, Beistle earned the opportunity to compete in Oregon at Hayward Field, where the top three discus athletes would make the USA Olympic team.
When talking about the preparation for the finals, Beistle credited the University.
“Grand Valley track and field does a great job all year long putting its athletes in great positions,” Beistle said. “We train for moments like that, and to be able to show up and compete with the best of the best, it says a lot about the program and coaches at GVSU.”
During the finals, she threw 62.50m, breaking her own personal record from just days prior and finishing only one spot outside of the top three threshold. Although this wasn’t enough to qualify for the Olympics, Beistle earned the second best division two throw of all time and the single best American performance in division two history.
When reflecting on this event, Beistle said, “I got to meet so many amazing athletes, Olympians and other important people while out in Oregon. (It was) truly an experience I won’t forget.”
Beistle then shared her favorite memory from her trip to Oregon.
“Coming off the field during the Olympic trials and hugging my (current) coach, high school coach and everyone who came out to support me was such a heartwarming experience,” said Beistle. “After just throwing a lifetime best, school record and being able to share it with the people who matter most to me, it was such an amazing moment, and one I will never forget.”
Beistle also described what motivated her to strive for excellence and push through adversity during the season’s duration.
“Having my coach, friends, family and teammates supporting me helped and pushed me to get where I am,” said Beistle. “I truly have a wonderful support system. It makes all the bad days, long hours and countless injuries worth it in the end.”
Beistle continued, reflecting on the previous season.
“After coming off last season and not placing how I wanted, it really propelled me to succeed this year. I knew I wanted to become a national champion and I was going to do whatever it took to get there.”
While the outcome might not have been exactly what Beistle had hoped, she remains optimistic and is using this experience as fuel for her discus future.
“Knowing I was so close just makes me want to train and push myself even harder,” said Beistle. “(I’m) shooting for the 2028 Olympics held in the U.S.”
