The start of February promises a colder, snow covered month, but much needed water for the country. Some areas, of course, could use less water, but here in California, it’s a sign of better things to come. So be patient and keep working out, soon you will be back to the pits, and the sun will fill the sky. Indoor season is underway at the high school, and college kids are putting up some serious numbers.
Huge shout out to Mondo Duplantis for breaking the boy's high school record with a 5.61m/18'5" jump for this 17-year-old. Good job on breaking the National record!
This month we have Cliff Peterson writing an article about his most famous pole vaulter and the Legend of Sergey Bubka. This is a great article about a man with 35 world records and a pole vaulter with no peers at the time. This is the first article by Cliff, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
Jessie Johnson is on the cover this month vaulting for Auburn University Tigers. This article was written by Samantha Kaplan detailing the pole vaulting environment and the routine that this college athlete has put forth for the upcoming season. “Jessie has looked very good in her training this fall,” says Coach Richardson. “She has been over the crossbar at 4.50 so if she stays healthy, and things go our way, I think she’ll have a good shot at clearing 15’ this year.” For her final year as an NCAA athlete, Jessie is looking to be one of the top three returners in the nation, leaving an outstanding legacy for Auburn University and its future pole vaulters.
Nic Caldwell has another middle school performer this month that already is having the ultimate season. Nico Zinsmeyer out of Texas jumps an impressive 13'6" mark and destroying his last personal record as an 8th grader. Check out the story inside and see what keeps this kid ticking.
Lifting weights is a necessity and lifting properly is just as essential. Kreager Taber talks about weight lifting and how the act can be just as damaging as it is vital for the pole vaulter. She has some very real insight on the matter. "Pole vaulting is one of the most physically demanding sports on your body, and adding weightlifting to a practice regimen can either be incredible or catastrophic depending on the athlete’s safety. "
Bubba Sparks interviews Robert Andrews about his role in the mental health of his past and present athletes. "Along with Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez I also work with a swimmer and double Olympic Gold and Silver medalist Simone Manuel." Not only gymnasts and swimmers, but Robert has also worked with a few well-known pole vaulters as well.
February is sure to get your season started off with a huge boost to your indoor and outdoor season. Keep the spikes laced tight and the body nice and warm, and we will see you next month. Thank you for following us as we cover the sport of pole vaulting and add some insight into this sport.
