by Stuart Weir
Juan Miguel Echevarria leaps 8.18, photo by photo by Andreas Arndt
Men at work
It is an indication of what we have come to expect from the discipline that I found myself disappointed that Renaud Lavillenie ONLY cleared 5.95. After all we witnessed last year a pole vault competition without a 6 meter winner is like egg without salt.
Renaud Lavillenie, 5.95m, photo by Andreas Arndt
Renaud Lavillenie is back. One of the greatest showmen in our sport, who has battled injuries, who entertained us jumping in his garden last year, is back. And if he can clear 5.95 in January, what can he do in the summer? He summed up his performance: “I wasn’t expecting to be able to jump that high as soon as today. I knew that my last training was pretty good, but there is usually a difference between training and the first competitions because just a few things are different.
Renaud Lavillenie, 5.95m, photo by Andreas Arndt
Two weeks ago in Bordeaux, I was able to clear 5.92 m, which is really, really good, and 5.95 m today was definitely unexpected. I am in a good way and I know I am able to clear 6 m this winter, I just don’t know when and where. 6 m is a very special height for everyone, so clearing this will always be a big motivation. I try to keep my body in the best possible shape. It’s not always easy, but I think I am lucky enough to do what I love every day. I just love pole vaulting and can’t imagine doing anything else. Being able to compete, to do what I love lights a flame inside me. I just enjoy it.”
Strong racing from @ElliotLeviGiles who takes the 800m victory in a world-leading 1:45.50.
Live results: https://t.co/uNDq4T2kIt#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/shwBrO8Jc5
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) January 29, 2021
Elliot Giles underlined the depth of talent in Britain with his win in the 800m in 1:45.5. He commented afterwards: “I don’t know, if I am satisfied or not. I was really nervous all day and felt almost as a beginner before the race. What happend during the race was kind of funny. It was like the daily traffic in Paris and I was the scooter trying to pass through the cars. It was too much traffic. It was a bit weird that there were no spectators today. The time is not bad, but it is just the beginning. My plan for the upcoming season is now to compete as much as possible, because we never know what is going to happen”.
Bethwel Birgen, 3000m, 7:34.12, photo by Andreas Arndt
Bethwell Birgin, an indoor specialist, won the 3000m in 7:34.12. Andrew Butchart ran 7:40.85 for fourth place, a PR and a Scottish record.
Other winners
400 Marvin Schlegel 46.61
Marvin Schlegel wins the 400m, photo by Andreas Arndt
60H Wilhem Belocian 7.49
Men’s 60m hurdles, photo by Andreas Arndt
Long Jump Juan Miguel Echevarria 8.18
Juan Miguel Echevarria leaps 8.18, photo by photo by Andreas Arndt
