Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author—Public domain
Billy Olson
- Born
- Jul 19, 1958 (68 years old)
- Birthplace
- Abilene, United States
- Events
- Pole Vault
- Height
- 1.88 m
- Weight
- 73 kg
Billy Richard Olson (born July 19, 1958) is a retired American Olympic pole vaulter who held several world records, including the first 19-foot indoor pole vault.
Olson finished 12th at the 1988 Summer Olympics, and was to have been part of the U.S.
team for the boycotted 1980 Summer Olympics. Olson vaulted for Abilene High School and Abilene Christian University, from which he graduated. He was Inducted into the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame, Class of 2012.
Personal best · Pole Vault5.93
1989 season best5.70Mar 11, 1989
As of Oct 28, 2026: Pole Vault 5.93 (#41 all-time), 1989 season best 5.70 (Mar 11, 1989) · 68 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | PV Indoor | 5.70 | – | Mar 11, 1989 | New York, NY (USA) (i) |
| 1989 | PV | 5.70 | – | Mar 11, 1989 | – |
| 1988 | PV | 5.72 | – | Jun 16, 1988 | Abilene, TX (USA) |
| 1987 | PV | 5.80 | – | Apr 11, 1987 | München (GER) |
| 1986 | PV | 5.93 | – | Feb 8, 1986 | – |
| 1986 | PV Indoor | 5.93 | – | Feb 8, 1986 | East Rutherford, NJ (USA) (i) |
| 1985 | PV | 5.86 | – | Dec 28, 1985 | – |
| 1985 | PV Indoor | 5.86 | – | Dec 28, 1985 | Saskatoon (CAN) (i) |