Story by Mary Kroner
(SNR) The Book of Hebrews states, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
That is what Nebraska track and field athlete Luke Siedhoff did at the USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Ore. last month.
“When I was a freshman in college, I remember watching the Olympic trials in 2016 and thinking that would be a good place to end, a good last meet,” Siedhoff said.
In June, the 24-year-old achieved his goal and competed as one of 32 declared athletes in the field for the 2021 USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials.
Luke Siedhoff and his family are from Crete, and belong to Sacred Heart Church. Siedhoff’s parents are Bob and Judy Siedhoff. He has two siblings, Kara and Matt.
According to Judy Siedhoff, she and her husband raised their children to know that God has given everyone different gifts, which need to be developed for God’s glory. Grades, community service, leadership, and humility were all emphasized in the Siedhoff household.
Luke Siedhoff began competing in track and field in the seventh grade. His mom, who was a hurdler in high school, encouraged him to try hurdles. Siedhoff admitted he never really thought of competing in college until his junior year of high school, when he really started improving. When the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reached out to recruit him, he decided to pursue track and field instead of football as he had originally planned.
His race times improved through college, and he was running his best times during the 2020 season. Even though the last half of the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Siedhoff was able to return the following season and place among the top 20 in the nation.
Then, he just had to wait until the USA Track and Field committee reached out to him to discuss his participation in the Olympic trials.
Competing in the Olympic trials was an experience unlike any other for Siedhoff.
“It was awesome. I just kept thinking that this was the biggest goal I set for myself and then to be able to get there and accomplish it, I couldn’t believe it. I was awestruck,” he said. “I was warming up and practicing with some of the best athletes in the world.”
From the 32 competitors in the qualifying round, only the top 16 participants qualify for the semi-finals. Siedhoff placed around the 22nd spot.
An important aspect of Siedhoff’s athletic journey was his faith, which flourished most notably during his time at the Newman Center.
“(Faith has) been my foundation,” he said. “It’s what I can fall back on. When I was a sophomore I went to Europe for World Youth Day, and after that my faith took off. The Newman Center was a great place to facilitate that.”
According to Judy Siedhoff, her son always wore a cross with his uniform and made the sign of the cross before each race. He had many friends and family praying for him, as well as a list of saints they asked to intercede for him at each race.
In addition to his own personal growth, Siedhoff’s athletic accomplishments have had a positive impact on his family as well.
Judy stated, “We as a family feel this has been a beautiful gift that we could all share together. Our kids have traveled to many states to support Luke and it has been a joy spending time with our adult kids.”
Siedhoff noted how thankful he is for all the support he has received through the years.
“The support I’ve gotten from all over the state, and especially my hometown and my family has been really cool. My family would fly and drive hours to just watch a few seconds. And that meant a lot to me looking up and seeing them in the stands.”
In August, Siedhoff will be attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center to pursue a career in medicine.
