Colin Jackson, emcee for this exceptional afternoon described presser six as one for those who fly through air. And how appropriate: Mutaz Barshim, World Champion and a man who has cleared 2.40 meters ten times in his career. Renaud Lavillenie, who has cleared six meters nearly two dozen times and has the world record in the pole vault. Sam Kendricks, newest member of the six meter club and newest World Champion at the pole vault.
Mutaz Barshim, Renaud Lavillenie, Sam Kendricks, photo by PhotoRun.net
Mutaz Barshim noted that his 2.40 meter clearance was his tenth time over that height. He also took the cross bar from that jump home, and it is on its way to Qatar as he spoke!
Renaud Lavillenie was injured in November and required surgery and also now is a new father of a baby girl. He is surprised that, off four months of training he is jumping so high and took a medal home.
Sam Kendricks, who has something nice to say about everyone, is enjoying the summer of his first six meter clearance, his World Championships and his friendly rivalry with Renaud Lavillenie. His father, who is his coach, told me that Sam Kendricks learned humility as a young jumper, as Sam began jumping in seventh grade, as he was getting beat by the girls and boys on the team.
This was a fun presser, as all three athletes made it quite clear that they love their events, their sport and get a great feeling from the fans. Athletics is their sport and their world.
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