74 Year Old John Uelses First 16 footer

[artparry]

50 years ago, Valley Center (California) man broke 16-foot pole vault barrier. The article can be found at the following link:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb ... oot-pole-/

I should mention he was a Marine!! Semper Fi

[master]

On the third attempt, he cleared the bar, landed in the pit where his fall was cushioned by fiberglass shavings. Then, pandemonium ensued.

... cushioned by fiberglass shavings. ... ??? I've never heard of that. Hopefully someone can explain for me.

[dj]

good morning,

more than likely it was sawdust or wood shavings.... they did start using foam strips in the 60's but the foam i used in 1965 was in a "net" bag and layed on top of the sawdust.......

dj