The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic brought some of the strangest times of many of our lives. With not much to do and nowhere to go, it was understandable that many took to staying inside and not getting many things accomplished. If you were Le Mars Community student and Merrill resident Reed Larson did not want to sit around all day during the pandemic, so he decided to try playing some pool at a local hall.
That decision turned into a love and a passion for a game that has led to Larson being one of the best billiards players for his age in the country.
That previous sentence is not hyperbole. Larson earned the bronze medal at the Billiard Education Foundation National Tournament in Quincy, Illinois back in July. That position locked in Larson’s right to compete for the United States at the World Championships in Hamilton, New Zealand in September. Larson says his success is a credit to the time he has put in to his craft.
Larson gets to compete all over the Midwest trying to keep his game sharp. He says all that travel is well worth it if it means getting to compete at a high level is on the table.
The United States team is comprised of a little over 10 players that have earned the right to compete for and represent their country on a world stage. Larson says getting to be a part of that is a humbling feeling.
Traveling quite literally halfway across the world obviously poses many logistical and financial challenges. Larson says if you would like to support, there are ways to do so on his billiards Facebook page.
Larson also credits his parents for being by his side while competing at a very high level.
Larson is set to compete in New Zealand September 5-8. Opening ceremonies for the World Championship are set to take place on September 4.
Check out our full interview with Reed Larson below:
