A touch over 20 years ago Billy Olson — the first man to vault 19 feet indoors — was one of the most decorated athletes of his time.

The American pole-vaulter set a staggering 11 world indoor records and had the privilege of representing the "Stars and Stripes" at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, during his distinguished career.

And while the name Billy Olson may not register on the radar of many Bermudians, the Island has certainly made an impression on Billy Olson with the former world champion vowing to return following a "hugely enjoyable" vacation in the sun.

The 49-year-old, who now runs a business in his native Texas, spent a week away from his "24/7" work schedule in the island with wife Stephanie.

And he freely admits the daily grind of office life is a far cry from the days when he ruled the pole-vaulting world.

"I don't have much time to be involved in sport nowadays with work occupying much of my time," Olson told The Royal Gazette.

"After my career I followed in my father's footsteps by setting up a bailiff's business — now I help get people out of jail.

"Retiring wasn't too difficult as I was a beaten up 31-year-old and my career was in the decadency due to various injuries.

"I remember being at a meet and trying to run and I just didn't have it in me anymore. I thought 'enough is enough' and I packed my pole away and haven't got it out since."

In 1988 Olson achieved his childhood dream by competing in the furnace where athletics heroes are forged — The Olympic Games.

But by Seoul 88 he was past his performing peak and ended up finishing 12th place.

Moscow 80 and Los Angeles 84 would have seen him at the pinnacle of his pole-vaulting powers, but he was robbed of his chance of claiming certain Olympic gold medals through circumstances beyond his control, as he explains:"The USA was one of many countries to boycott the Moscow games in protest of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

"I had great chance of gold that year and an ankle ligament injury prevented me competing four years later — I guess it wasn't to be.

"But it was still a wonderful experience to compete at the 88 Olympics even if I was past my best."

Olson's career was arguably characterised by his fierce and relentless rivalry with legendary Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergei Bubka.

The pair continually raised the proverbial bar by continuously shattering each other's world records with Olson finishing his career with a personal best of 19-5.5 feet.

Olson, the first American to vault 19 feet, insists he will return to Bermuda after "falling in love" with the island during his visit.

It was a holiday his wife was rewarded with through her work and the pair now plan to revisit with their young daughter Maddi.

He retired fifth in the all-time US list and 12th on the all-time world list and was inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, Lone Star Conference Hall of Honor in 1997, and the Millrose Games Hall of Fame in 2003.