Janson fulfills Olympic dream

Lacy Janson is one of the most decorated pole-vaulters in U.S. history and now the Sarasota native can add Olympian to her list of accolades.

Janson, a 2001 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, captured the final spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team June 24, clearing 14 feet, 9 inches to finish third at the U.S. track and field trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Janson will make her Olympic debut in the women’s pole vault qualifier Aug. 4; the final is Aug. 6.

“To say it was emotional would be an understatement,” said John Raleigh, who coached Janson for two years at Cardinal Mooney. “It’s any coach’s dream. Lacy was a great combination of a great athlete and a very hard worker, who is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.”