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Does size really matter?
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 4:21 pm
by Mecham
Hey. It just so happens that im a short vaulter. Im only 5'6 and i was just wondering if there was anyone in my case. And if there are any tips available for me.......
Thanks,
Jared
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 5:23 pm
by rainbowgirl28
You might not be done growing. Many guys continue to grow into their 20s.
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 7:02 pm
by blazerunner121
theres a link with an article that supports the advantage of taller vaulters than smaller vaulters which hopefully i'll find it. but, there are still vaulters who are below 6' who are still really good, like huffman. and plus, working on ur technique and strengh to maximize ur potential is important anywayz. so i wouldn't worry about being small, i'm only 5'7".
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 3:44 pm
by vaulterpunk
yeah don't worry about it man. i was 5'9 until the end of my junior year of high school. then i went on like a two year long growth spurt and now i am 6'4
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 5:47 pm
by Lord of the Poles
I'm 5'7" and I don't think I'm getting any taller...lol
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 6:47 pm
by Vaulterchick88
We had a girl, Lori, that vaulted at our school a couple years ago, and she was tiny but se had the gymnastic strength and tied our school record, so height isn't as imprtant as form
Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:33 pm
by bvpv07
No joke...my school's girl's record holder...at 12'3"...is under 5' and is now at Harvard fighting the snow in the winter.
Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 3:13 pm
by ryansanta
Work on your takeoff.
Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:40 pm
by superchau88
i'm 5-6.
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 10:48 am
by polecat
Just my opinion, but I believe runway speed, core strength and good plant technique are more important factors than height.
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 8:03 pm
by toki
No i really dont think that height matters, my really good friend who won states 2 years in a row, is a 15 foot vaulter, and hes only like 5-7 or something? I really think as long as you have strength and speed you'll be fine
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:30 pm
by blazerunner121
fished out a little excerpt on an opinion of size of vaulters:
http://www.pvei.com/index.php?pagename= ... ginnis.php
Elite vaulters, those who have cleared 5.80 m (19'0") or higher, are generally tall. Taller athletes have an advantage in the pole vault, especially at the pole strike. A taller athlete usually has a higher reach, and an athlete with a higher reach can strike the pole at a higher angle than a shorter athlete with a lower reach. Perhaps this tip should be entitled "Have a high reach height." Most elite male pole vaulters stand more than 183 cm (6'0") tall. There are examples of elite pole vaulters who are less than 183 cm (6'0") tall, however. Russ Buller, Scott Huffman, Pat Manson, Kory Tarpenning, Joe Dial, and Greg Duplantis all vaulted over 5.80 m (19'0") and they all stand less than 183 cm (6'0") tall.
i think the guy was writing towards more advanced vaulters, but probably applies to any vaulters.