Pole Vault

Pole vault is one of the most exciting track and field events. Athletes carry a long, bendy pole while running very fast. They stick the pole into a box on the ground and use it to fly into the air. Then they go over a high bar and land on a soft mat.

The Pole

The pole is made of strong but bendy material. When the athlete puts the pole down, it bends and then snaps back. This spring helps push them higher. The poles are about 16 feet long.

Going Over

The athlete twists their body to go over the bar feet first. They try not to touch the bar with their hands or body. If the bar stays up, the jump counts. They land on a big foam mat below.

Fun Facts

• The world record for pole vault is over 6 meters high.
• Pole vault was in the first modern Olympics in 1896.
• Long ago, pole vaulters used heavy wooden poles.

Did You Know?

Pole vaulters can fly more than 20 feet up in the air, as high as a two-story building.