von Maltzahn sets New Women's 55-59 REcord

[Russ]

Hillen von Maltzahn, 56, of NY set a new age-group record for womenh 55-59 today at the USATF Connecticut Indoor Championships, vaulting 2.77 meters to set the record, and then making 2.80 (2 records in one afternoon). von Maltzahn had tied the record at the Masters Indoor Nationals in Boise earlier this month, vaulting 2.76. von Maltzahn brushed the bar on both record jumps and was visibly delighted, waving with a braod smile to the cheering crowd as she stood up in the pit. She took three vailiant attempts at 2.85, coming closest on her third attempt.

[rainbowgirl28]

Pictures and story
http://www.massvelocity.org/yale05.html

Hillen wrote to Mass Velocity to tell us:

"The last indoor Pole Vault World Record 2,70m was set by Karin Foerster in the first World Masters Indoor Championships in Sindelfingen/Germany in March 2004.

I broke the record at Dartmouth in Hanover/NH  on Jan. 7th 2005. I cleared 2,75m. Then in Nampa/Boise/ID I competed at the USATF National Masters Indoor Championships with Phil Raschker (she has 39 world records as a masters athlete) in many events. In Pole Vault we both did a new World Record height: 2,76m.  Phil's bar was dancing but stayed, I cleared it easily. By the way, I won the PV competition by attempts.

But since Phil did the same height, I would have to share the Indoor World Record until I could try a new record in the next indoor season. Fortunately Pat Peterson forwarded to me your Mass Velocity e-mail about the "Last Chance Indoor Meet."  I was eager to try to get the World Record back. I like to share, but not a World Record!

The official was nice and let me finish my jumps before the men started pole vault. First I cleared 2,77m. This height gave me back my record, then I did 2,81, which is my personal best and now the new World Record height in Pole Vault in my age group W55-59. I am happy."

At Coxe Cage's new track I did my best 60m time 9.29 for this season as well as my 200m in 30.89. That was 0.2 faster than in Boise.

Thanks,
Hillen