Morgan Pearson grew up in the water. A member of the Berkeley Aquatic Club, swimming for Jim Wood, he was part of a swimming family.
He was also a strong runner, earning a spot on the Colorado University track and field team.
Ten years later, Pearson is still putting together strong performances in the water — and on land.
On Saturday, May 15, he qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games in the triathlon.
Competing in Yokohama, Japan, at the World Triathlon Series, he won the bronze medal, the first podium of his career and just the third ever for a U.S. man in the series.
The 28-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, was slightly behind lead group following the event’s 1,500-meter swim, but caught up during the 40K bike portion. The race came down to the 10K run, and Pearson was able use a late surge to finish third in 1:43:12.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a better feeling,” Morgan Pearson told USA Triathlon. “You put in the work and you do the training, and you know you’re in shape to do something special, but none of that really matters when the race starts.”
Pearson’s previous best finish was eighth place in 2020. The seven-time All-American at Colorado did earn a bronze medal in mixed relay in Edmonton in 2019. Pearson has competed in World Triathlon since 2018.
While Saturday’s race was thrilling, the qualifying still comes with mixed emotions. Pearson’s older brother Andrew died.
Morgan Pearson wanted to put together his best performance in honor of his brother.
“I took a month off in March because my older brother, Andrew, passed away,” Pearson told USA Triathlon. “He gave me the boost I needed today, and I was just thinking about him. Hopefully when I’m at the Olympics, he’ll be there with me.”