Parnov forbidden from helping Walker
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 12:24 am
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking ... 5&mail=yes
Walker on top of the world
Spokane pole vaulter first American male to win world pole vault title
Associated Press
September 1, 2007
OSAKA, Japan -- Brad Walker drew almost as much attention for his blue Mohawk haircut as his pole vaulting.
That wasn't easy to do, considering he won the event Saturday night at the world track and field championships. Walker, a graduate of University High School and the University of Washington, captured the title by being the first vaulter in the final to clear 19 feet, 2 3/4 inches.
He is the first American male to win a world pole vault title.
"It feels phenomenal," said the former Titan and Husky, who's also the reigning indoor champion. "I couldn't be happier."
The haircut was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Walker said he always competes better with a fresh haircut, so he recruited U.S. teammate Jacob Pauli to give him a trim.
Pauli did more than that. It was Pauli's idea to go with the dye job -- it was supposed to be black, but turned out a cross between blue and purple. He also cut in stripes that resembled lightning bolts.
"He asked if I wanted to add the stripes and I said, 'Lightning's fast. That can't be a bad thing,'" Walker said. "We thought some speedy lines would add some pizazz."
After clearing his winning height, Walker felt a little twinge in his back. He said he's glad that no one cleared the next height of 19-4 3/4.
"I had to dig pretty deep," said Walker, adding he had a lot of pain from two bulging discs. "I've had to back off training quite a bit."
Walker may also have to back off his future trips to Australia. He recently traveled Down Under to spend time with renowned Russian pole vault coach Alex Parnov, who works at the Western Australia Institute of Sports.
"Alex has been told not to help me," Walker said. "In response to that, I was motivated. Alex is one of the best coaches around. It takes more than a couple of weeks down in a country to build an athlete. I was a little bummed out. I put that in the fire and used it as fuel."
Walker's primary coach is Pat Lacari, but he visited Parnov just to work on technique.
"I didn't learn any training strategies," said Walker, who has the world's best vault this season at 19-6 1/4. "In terms of what I gained in Australia, it was a fun trip with a lot of cool guys."
Pain wasn't going to keep Walker from competing at worlds. Then again, he has a high pain threshold. At the 2006 world indoor championships in Moscow, Walker hit his head on a warmup run. He was examined and allowed to compete, winning the event in 19-1/4.
As he wheeled a portable suitcase behind him Saturday, Walker moved from one interview to the next. He said it's now just beginning to sink in that he's a world champion.
"This is incredible. You always try to peak at a championship," Walker said. "Luckily for me, I've been able to put together some good jumps. But I've got a little work to do to get my back healthy. We'll see how everything goes."
As for the haircut, he was pleased with it.
"I couldn't decide if I should leave it blonde or do something crazy," Walker said, grinning.
Walker on top of the world
Spokane pole vaulter first American male to win world pole vault title
Associated Press
September 1, 2007
OSAKA, Japan -- Brad Walker drew almost as much attention for his blue Mohawk haircut as his pole vaulting.
That wasn't easy to do, considering he won the event Saturday night at the world track and field championships. Walker, a graduate of University High School and the University of Washington, captured the title by being the first vaulter in the final to clear 19 feet, 2 3/4 inches.
He is the first American male to win a world pole vault title.
"It feels phenomenal," said the former Titan and Husky, who's also the reigning indoor champion. "I couldn't be happier."
The haircut was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Walker said he always competes better with a fresh haircut, so he recruited U.S. teammate Jacob Pauli to give him a trim.
Pauli did more than that. It was Pauli's idea to go with the dye job -- it was supposed to be black, but turned out a cross between blue and purple. He also cut in stripes that resembled lightning bolts.
"He asked if I wanted to add the stripes and I said, 'Lightning's fast. That can't be a bad thing,'" Walker said. "We thought some speedy lines would add some pizazz."
After clearing his winning height, Walker felt a little twinge in his back. He said he's glad that no one cleared the next height of 19-4 3/4.
"I had to dig pretty deep," said Walker, adding he had a lot of pain from two bulging discs. "I've had to back off training quite a bit."
Walker may also have to back off his future trips to Australia. He recently traveled Down Under to spend time with renowned Russian pole vault coach Alex Parnov, who works at the Western Australia Institute of Sports.
"Alex has been told not to help me," Walker said. "In response to that, I was motivated. Alex is one of the best coaches around. It takes more than a couple of weeks down in a country to build an athlete. I was a little bummed out. I put that in the fire and used it as fuel."
Walker's primary coach is Pat Lacari, but he visited Parnov just to work on technique.
"I didn't learn any training strategies," said Walker, who has the world's best vault this season at 19-6 1/4. "In terms of what I gained in Australia, it was a fun trip with a lot of cool guys."
Pain wasn't going to keep Walker from competing at worlds. Then again, he has a high pain threshold. At the 2006 world indoor championships in Moscow, Walker hit his head on a warmup run. He was examined and allowed to compete, winning the event in 19-1/4.
As he wheeled a portable suitcase behind him Saturday, Walker moved from one interview to the next. He said it's now just beginning to sink in that he's a world champion.
"This is incredible. You always try to peak at a championship," Walker said. "Luckily for me, I've been able to put together some good jumps. But I've got a little work to do to get my back healthy. We'll see how everything goes."
As for the haircut, he was pleased with it.
"I couldn't decide if I should leave it blonde or do something crazy," Walker said, grinning.