COLUMBUS, Ohio — Katie Moon, an Olympic gold medalist in the pole vault, is returning to her alma mater in Ashland County on Friday to kick start her 2024 season prep at the Jud Logan Light Giver Open.
Moon, 32, won two NCAA Division II national championships while at Ashland University. She also has won three indoor national championships, a silver medal at indoor worlds and two outdoor world championships.
Most recently, at the world championships, Moon and Australia’s Nina Kennedy decided to split gold after finishing a tie for first place.
Moon will be at the university at 7:30 p.m. for the 3rd annual open, honoring the former Ashland track coach and Olympic gold medalist in the hammer throw.
"To be honest, I really wanted this indoor season to be very on my terms," Moon told her former school. "This year's a big year, being an Olympic year. I wanted to be very intentional about how I competed.
She will begin prepping in Ashland for USA Track & Field indoor nationals, which begins Feb. 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Moon is looking to qualify for worlds on March 1-3 in Glasglow, Scotland.
From worlds, she would then go to the U.S. Olympic Trials for the right to compete again at the Summer Olympics.
"I have proven to myself on days when it has mattered most and needed to step up, I've been able to do that. It does instill a confidence that has been unshakable. But you can't take it for granted. I'm very excited for it."
