Similar to the high jump but involving a different technique, the pole vault is a field event where the athlete must clear the bar using the help of a flexible and light fibreglass pole to catapult themselves over the top.

Pole vault final

Athletics jump

The technique

Although this event does rely on its equipment, all pole vaulters are known for their all-round athletic ability, being both strong and fast. Many female pole vaulters begin their careers as gymnasts.

The vaulter must make their approach down the runway with the pole in hand and plant the pole into a manmade box while at the same time propelling their feet high into the air to elevate themselves skywards and over the bar. Athletes can place two markers on the runway to help them on their approach.

Statistics

  • The most famous pole vaulter of recent times is Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS) who holds 27 world records. His current record is 5.06m.

  • Sergey Bubka cleared 6.14m in 1985 – the first man to clear 6 metres in the event.

  • The crossbar is 4.5m wide.

  • The runway is at least 40m long.

athletics key facts

Key facts

  • Sergey Bubka set 35 world records during his career.

  • There is a ‘6-metres club’ for athletes who have cleared the 6m mark and all the members are male.

  • The only female athlete to clear more than 5 metres is Yelena Isinbayeva.

running feet

Rules

  • Once the vaulter has left the ground they cannot move their lower hand above their upper hand on the pole.

  • A vaulter should not steady the bar with their hands during the vault.

  • To be successful the bar must remain in place when the athlete has left the landing area following the vault.