Hooker still too hurt to vault

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/s ... 80258.aspx

Hooker a carnival no-show Injury rules out world champion
CARNIVALS BY TERRY MORRIS
18 Nov, 2009 01:00 AM
INJURY will prevent Olympic Games and world pole vaulting champion Steve Hooker from competing at the Devonport Carnival next month.
The Devonport Athletic Club had approached Hooker to make an appearance at its carnival on December 29-30 but he has declined the invitation.

Athletics co-ordinator Rod Walker said Hooker was resting an injury and out of competition otherwise he would have been here.

"He was interested in coming otherwise," he said.

Hooker hasn't competed since he aggravated a groin injury while winning the world title in Berlin in August.

This year Devonport is offering $1000 in prizemoney for the pole vault, which will be held on both nights of the carnival.

In the absence of Hooker the club has still been able to attract pole vaulters ranked second, third, fourth and sixth in Australia behind the world champion.

The field will be headed by Queensland's Matt Boyd who has regularly finished second to Hooker.

Making another appearance at Devonport will be Victorian Joel Pocklington who entertained with his antics last year.

Walker said some female pole vaulters would also be involved in the competition this year.

Pole vaulting has expanded from an exhibition sport at the Devonport Carnival, started by the appearance of Tatiana Gregoriova a few years ago, to a serious event offering good prizemoney.

South Australian running trainer Paul Young is yet to finalise which of his athletes will be competing at the Tasmanian carnivals but he has confirmed 2009 Burnie Gift winner Alicia Wrench- Doody will be making a return.

Wrench-Doody ran from 5.25m to beat Launceston's Danielle Taylor and Burnie teenager Sandy Loring on New Year's Day.

Another interstate coach coming for the Tasmanian carnivals is Geelong-based John Henry and his stable will include Latrobe Gift winners Peter Walsh and Matt Hargraves and Matt's brother Sean.