Does size really matter?

[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

[rainbowgirl28]

You might not be done growing. Many guys continue to grow into their 20s.

[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".

[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

[Lord of the Poles]

I'm 5'7" and I don't think I'm getting any taller...lol

[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

[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.

[ryansanta]

Work on your takeoff.

[superchau88]

i'm 5-6.

[polecat]

Just my opinion, but I believe runway speed, core strength and good plant technique are more important factors than height.

[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

[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.