The reigning Olympic champion estimates that the women’s pole vault final can be historically tough.
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PARIS. American pole vaulter Katie Moon know what it takes to win at the Olympics. Three years ago, Moon jumped gold in the Olympic finals in Tokyo – still under her maiden name Nagoette at the time – with a score of 490.
Although the winning result was rock hard and the dimmer medals were distributed with 485, the overall result level of the final remained modest. Three jumpers incl Wilma Murtoshared the fifth place with a result of 450. The result level was explained by the swirling wind, which made it difficult for the jumpers to work at the initial heights of the final.
Given the legalities of the sensitive sport, Moon didn’t immediately break the bank when asked at a US track and field team press conference how much money would be required for gold in Paris.
– At least 480 is required for gold, but considering the recent level of results, especially in Monaco, I wouldn’t be surprised if 490 is required for a medal, Moon said on Monday.
If the latter part of Moon’s assessment is correct, the Olympic final in Paris would be the toughest competition in the history of women’s pole vaulting.
In the history of the sport, it has never been required to exceed 490 to finish in the top three in a race. The 2018 Ostrava Continental cup, the 2019 World Cup final and the last Olympic final are competitions where the top three were required to cross the bar from a height of 485.
The result in question is Murro’s record. This season, the Brits have jumped better Molly Caudery492, as well as 488 who crossed the aussi Nina Kennedy and Switzerland Angelica Moser. Kennedy and Moser scored in the Monaco Diamond League mentioned by Moon on July 12.
Sympathy for Murro
Murro’s best result of the season, which has suffered from injuries, is 460, which he jumped in Lahti at the beginning of June. In the current season, the Finn has only three outdoor track races on his plate.
In the beginning of the season, Murto suffered from an achilles problem, which was followed by the problems with the backs at the European Championships in Rome. Challenges are familiar to Moon.
– I feel sympathy for him. I’ve been through Achilles problems myself. When competing at the highest possible level, the athlete’s body is always under the maximum test. Sometimes the limit is crossed without a clear reason.
Despite this, Moon names Murro as the medal favorite.
– If most of the injuries are life left behind and he is confident, there is no reason why he cannot stand on the podium.
There are six medal favorites in Moon’s papers.
– Nina and Molly are on fire. You can’t forget Wilma. Angelica Moser. by Alysha Newman jumping has been looking good lately. I hope I am part of this club, Moon said.
Women’s pole vault qualifying on August 5 at 11:40 a.m. and the final on August 7 at 8 p.m.