EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Heath Baldwin, a graduate student from Kalamazoo, has made history at Michigan State University (MSU) by securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Baldwin’s victory in the decathlon at the U.S. Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon makes him the first Spartan to qualify for the Olympic decathlon since Paul Terek in 2004.

At 23 years old, Baldwin’s decision to skip the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships to focus on the trials paid off handsomely. According to the Lansing State Journal, he amassed a personal-best 8,625 points, finishing first among 19 competitors. This score is the sixth-best globally this year and ranks third on the all-time collegiate list.

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“I didn’t want to think about just making the team,” Baldwin told reporters after claiming victory at Hayward Field in Eugene, according to MLive. “I came here to win and I’m glad I got that done.”

Starting strong on June 21, Baldwin led the field with 4,508 points by the end of the first day, thanks to personal bests in the 400 meters (48.58 seconds) and shot put (16.52 meters). His season-best high jump clearance of 2.13 meters further solidified his lead, as reported by MLive.

On the second day, Baldwin maintained his top position with a 13.77-second run in the 110m hurdles and a personal best in the discus throw (49.87 meters). Despite temporarily slipping to second place after the pole vault, where he cleared 4.85 meters, Baldwin’s 66.69-meter javelin throw regained his lead. The final 1500m race saw Baldwin clocking in at 4:41.87, securing his victory over second-place finisher Zach Ziemek, as detailed by The Detroit News. 

“I want to be in the mix for a medal, I want to contend for a medal,” Baldwin told MLive. “I want to have the best competition on those two days out of anybody in the world.”