Watch Sandi Morris Become Just 2nd Woman In History To Clear 5.0 Meters (16′ 4¾”) Outdoors In The Pole Vault
by LetsRun.com
September 9, 2016
American Olympic silver medallist Sandi Morris ended her 2016 campaign, her first as a full-time professional, in style as she became just the second woman in history to clear 5 meters outdoors (16′ 4¾”). The competition didn’t start well for Morris as she needed two attempts to get over her opening height of 4.52m but then was perfect at 4.58 and 4.64. She missed again on her first attempt at 4.70 before making it on her second attempt. She then passed at 4.76 as she was in a battle with the Olympic champ Katerina Stefanidi of Greece for the win (who cleared 4.76 and went out at 4.94).
Morris gives thanks after the bar stayed on
Morris then reeled off first attempt clearances at 4.82, 4.88 and 4.94 before missing on her first attempt at 5.00 meters. On her second attempt, she was all over the bar and it literally jumped up off the peg but somehow it didn’t fall off. Morris thanked the heavens after it stayed on.
You can watch the last attempt below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBJrsZ_GZy4
Morris then took three attempts at the world record of 5.07 but came up short. Her final attempt at the world record was a great way for the 2016 Diamond League season to end. What is in store for 2017?
Quick Thought #1: What a magical year it’s been for Morris. Her tweet before the competition pretty much summed up how great it had been and now it’s even better.
May: Fractured wrist. August:Became Olympic Silver Medalist. U don't know what ur capable of unless u keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/VoKViqWTwP
— Sandi Morris, OLY🇺🇸 (@sandicheekspv) September 9, 2016
After the competition, Morris said the following to the IAAF:
“5 meters, this is a number to be respected. Only 3 women in history did so if you count out- and indoor and I’m one of them. This is so cool.
In Rio, I was so close to something I really wanted but today I did more than I suspected. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win.
After clearing 5 meter my coach suggested to stop the event but I absolutely wanted to jump even if I was tired, even I knew it was too high for today but attempting the world record will help me for next season.
Now I ‘m jumping with poles of 4m45 long. Next season I’ll try longer poles and adapt my grip to a higher grip. If I master this new situation I’m sure I will break the world record soon.”
Quick Thought #2: Morris is now the third highest vaulter indoors or out in women’s history.
- Yelena Isinbayeva 5.06m (outdoors)
- Jenn Suhr 5.03m (indoors)
- Sandi Morris 5.00m (outdoors)
Talk about Morris record jump on our world famous fan forum/messageboard: MB: Sandi Morris’ record