by Larry Eder
Sam Kendricks goes over the bar, May 25, 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
What a strange pole vault. The cool weather, and swirling winds made it difficult for the vaulters. The 2013 World Champ, Raphael Holzdeppe, did not clear his opening height of 5.41 meters. Neither did the 2016 Olympic champion, Thiago Braz Da Silva. The third no height was Changrui Xue of China, also at 5.41 meters. The 2015 World Champion and 2018 Commonwealth silver medalist, Shawn Barber, cleared 5.41m on one attempt, then, three misses at 5.56 meters.
Renaud Lavillenie, May 25, 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
Then, it got real serious. Renaud Lavillenie, yes, the same guy who has the WR, Olympic gold and silver, World silver and bronze, European gold indoor and out, took three tries to clear 5.56 meters. On his third attempt at 5.71m, he stopped at the vault box, walked back, exchanged a pole and then, let the clock run out. Renaud Lavillenie was out.
Pawel Wocjiechowski cleared 5.41m on his second, 5.56m on his first and made three game attempts at 5.71m, to no avail. PIotr Lisek, the European Indoor champion, cleared, 5.56m on his first attempt, 5.71m, on his third and three game attempts at 5.81m. Piotr took third.
Mondo Duplantis had a pretty good day. Mondo, just past his final high school championships, cleared 5.41m, 5.56m, and 5.71m, all on first attempts. At 5.71m, Mondo was leading.
Sam Kendricks cleared 5.41m and 5.56m on first attempts, but took three to clear 5.71 meters. At that time, Mondo had the lead, on attempts.
Mondo Duplantis took his first attempt at 5.81 meters, and missed.
Sam Kendricks, the current World Outdoor Champion, took his first attempt at 5.81 meters and cleared. Kendricks was in control.
Tough day for the guys on the circuit. We were pushed and pulled by the wind but there were some real pros out there! Onward to Rome! #preclassic#EugeneDL #DiamondLeague #RoadToTheFinal pic.twitter.com/Dib6g8i7oU
— Sam Kendricks (@samkendricks) May 27, 2018
Mondo Missed thre remaining two at 5.81 meters and finished second. “It was the first time I beat Renaud Lavillenie. I stil have not beat Sam Kendricks, and that annoys me.” To say Mr. Duplantis is competitive is an understatement.
Sam Kendricks made three attempts at 5.91m, but it was not there. He had the win.
And a that was end of that cool night in Eugene, Oregon.
