by Larry Eder
Lavillenie 592 WL and MR
RENO (USA, Jan 16): Olympic winner Renaud Lavillenie is in top shape early in the season. In his second meet, Pole Vault Summit in Nevada, he cleared in first attempt 592 new meet record and World lead. He also tried at six meters, last year at the same meet he won with 575. “His goal was to break the meet record 591,” said his coach Philippe D´Encausse who confirmed that the mission was accomplished. “It’s a good performance at this time of the year,” he added for L´Équipe.Second Sam Kendricks went over 586 what is new personal best and second best ever by a collegian and best by US collegian. Third Briton Steve Lewis 565. Mark Hollis as 8th did 525 and decathlon number one 2014 Trey Hardee 505 as 10th. Greek European silver medalist from Zurich Ekaterini Stefanidi won the women competition with another indoor PB 460 cm. She was followed by three jumpers with 450 Becky Holliday, Mary Saxer and Melisa Gergel.Fifth Kelsie Ahbe went over 440. In different age categories more than 1000 vaulters are competing.
(Editor’s comment: Renaud Lavillenie shows how much better shape he is than last year. He was jumping 5.75m at Reno in 2014. Lavillenie jumped 5.92m today at the most important gathering of pole vaulters in the world each year-the U.S. Pole Vault Summit. This is the labor of love of Steve Chappell, UCS, his sons, and the pole vault community. I believe it has gone on since the early 1990s.
The U.S. Pole Vault Summit is a prime example of why I am so positive about our sport. Contrary to what the USOC tells NGBs, for a federation to be successful, all members are important.
So pleased to see Le roi de la perche, the king of the pole vault, Renaud Lavillenie, understanding his role in the event and vaulting all over the world. Hopefully, a young woman or young man, who was in Reno, will get the inspiration to give the pole vault, the closest event to flying, in our sport.)
