PoleVaultPower.com

I was doing a 4 left approach run with a 13' 150 UCS pole holding 6 inches down. And I planted, and next thing I hear is a loud SNAP and then a huge pain in the back of my head. Turns out I have a bad gash on the back and had to go the emergency room and get 7 staples. Will most a video that my coach took soon. I really want to know why this accident occured.

Looks like that pole was stepped on. How many pieces did the pole break into?

It broke into 2 pieces. but the weird thing is that the pole seemed to break when the pole was at its maximum bend and then recoiling back..

It didn't appear that you overloaded the pole. I think you had some damage to the pole.

My guess is the pole got damaged somehow. Given the location, someone spiking it while bailing out on a jump is as good of a guess as any.

After looking at the video several times, these old eyes (with the help of bifocals) believes the words "UCS Spirit" on the sticker at the mid point of the pole can be seen. These words on the sticker, however, should be facing the vaulter. Additionally, with such a low takeoff (the pole is flexing fairly well while the takeoff foot is still on the ground) the bend is low on the pole. Typically the bend and rolling effect of the recoil should be higher on the pole. "SnAp!"

vquestpvc wrote:After looking at the video several times, these old eyes (with the help of bifocals) believes the words "UCS Spirit" on the sticker at the mid point of the pole can be seen. These words on the sticker, however, should be facing the vaulter. Additionally, with such a low takeoff (the pole is flexing fairly well while the takeoff foot is still on the ground) the bend is low on the pole. Typically the bend and rolling effect of the recoil should be higher on the pole. "SnAp!"

I agree with the low take off. I have had some difficulty with having a jump with an upward force at take off.