gymnast pole vaulters

This is gymnast Kelsie Hendry, who competed at the Beijing Olympics. In Pole Vault.

Kelsie is from Saskatoon, Canada, a city with a strong Women’s Athletics program.

It’s fair to say that the Pole Vault coaches (back in the day) would lurk around the Saskatoon gym clubs, awaiting the day the taller girls might retire from gymnastics. They knew that within months a gymnast could surpass their dedicated Pole Vault competitors.

I recall back in the 1990s borrowing the Pole Vault matting one winter, in order to construct a resi-pit under our Bars. University of Saskatchewan Head Coach Lyle Sanderson was happy to loan me the mats. The gymnastics clubs were his Pole Vault development program.

related – Longtime Canadian friends share pole vault bronze medal (gymnast Carly Dockendorf)

Of course Pole Vault is just one sport where ex-gymnasts excel instantly.

Thanks Dana Brass, for the link.