Paul Wilson was born in Seattle, Washington, January 22, 1947. He first learned to vault on a metal pole and jumped 12' with it. His first day on a fiberglass pole was very significant. He cleared 14' but later that day injured his back while working out on a trampoline. His recovery from the accident took a long time. He didn't clear any significant height for 3 years. Paul ultimately vaulted 15', coaching himself.

It wasn't until his kids were in high school that he started coaching other vaulters. He has been the Willamette University and the McNary High School pole vault coach for 11 years. During his career he has coached national champions in the vault and decathalon at different age levels. He has coached state champion pole vaulters at all levels (1A, 2A, 3A and 4A.) This included the first 4A girls state champion.

Paul lives in Keizer, Oregon with his wife and youngest daughter.