Beth Olson proved she was back Saturday, and so did her back.

The Kansas University senior rower, who had surgery last season to repair a herniated disc in her back, again found success Saturday at the Kansas Cup.

Olson helped the First Varsity 8 boat win its race in a time of 6:16.3. That victory sparked the Jayhawks to their sixth straight Kansas Cup, as Kansas defeated Kansas State, 18-1, on the Kansas River.

Cincinnati, which also competed on the windy morning, won two out of the three races in which it took part.

Olson, a senior from Arlington, Texas, who won gold medals as a member of the Second Varsity 8 team which has defeated the Wildcats the last two seasons, said Saturday’s win was more memorable — and pain-free.

“It was pretty bad,” Olson said of the pain in lower back. “It was definitely the reason keeping me from the First Varsity 8.”

So during Thanksgiving break last year, Olson had surgery to repair her fifth lumbar vertebrae (L5 disc), which was damaged as a result of a childhood accident.

Although she missed winter drills, Olson rowed last spring despite persistent pain that came with rowing and rehabilitation.

But Olson said the results, as Saturday showed, were worth going under the knife.

“No pain. It’s awesome,” Olson said. “Plus, you can’t ask for much more — OK, maybe the weather — but beating your rival to win the Kansas Cup.”

Results

Varsity 4 — 1. Cincinnati, 7:38.4; 2. Kansas, 7:44.5.

First Varsity 8 — 1. Kansas, 6:16.3; 2. Kansas State, 6:21.3; 3. Cincinnati, 6:37.6.

Second Varsity 8 — 1. Cincinnati, 6:25.9; 2. Kansas, 6:28.2; 3. Kansas State, 6:34.3.

First Novice 8 — 1. Kansas, 6:31.4; 2. Kansas State, 6:44.4.

Second Novice 8 — 1. Kansas State, 6:50; 2. Kansas, 6:58.9.