IRVINE Calif. – Former Utah State distance runner and nine-time All-American Dillon Maggard is one step closer to the Olympic Games.
 
That's because Maggard, who runs professionally for HOKA ONE ONE, qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 10,000 meters by placing eighth in the event with a personal-best time of 27:54.89 on Friday night at Sound Running's Track Meet, presented by On Running.
 
The qualifying standard for the 10,000 meters is 28:00.00.
 
"It was a great effort for Dillon," said Utah State head cross country coach Artie Gulden. "He executed the race plan really well moving up throughout the race. Running under 28 minutes to qualify for the Olympic Trials was the goal and it is fantastic that he accomplished it, along with a 44-second PR.
 
"The best part about it, though, is he battled a bit of adversity the past few months and this result showed great grit and perseverance. In a few weeks, he is going to go after a trials qualifier in the 5K."
 
Maggard is in his second season as a volunteer assistant coach with Utah State's track & field and cross country programs, working primarily with the distance programs.

Maggard is arguably the best distance runner in Utah State history as he ended his illustrious career (2014-18) as a nine-time All-American, matching the school record previously set by James Parker, who represented the United States in the hammer at the 2004 Olympic Summer Games and 2005 World Championships.

The native of Kirkland, Wash., earned five first-team All-American honors alone during his senior season with Utah State – two each during the indoor and outdoor seasons, and one during cross country. Maggard guided the cross country program to its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Cross Country Championships, where he placed sixth overall and the team finished 27th.

Maggard still holds six school records. He ranks first all-time in USU indoor history in the mile (4:01.25), first in the 3,000 meters (7:52.99), first in the 5,000 meters (13:40.59) and first in the DMR (9:32.31). Outdoor-wise, Maggard is first all-time in the 1,500 meters (3:42.15) and the 5,000 meters (13:30.02).

After graduating from Utah State with a degree in natural resources, Maggard turned pro.
 
Fans can follow the Utah State track & field programs at twitter.com/USUTF_XC, on Facebook at USUTrack and on Instagram at instagram.com/USUTF_XC. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.
 
-USU-