by Larry Eder
Shawn Barber, photo by PhotoRun.net
Barber over 6 meters
RENO (USA, Jan 15): The National Pole Vault Summit at Reno´s Livestock Events Center saw the first career 6 meters jump by reigning World champion Shawn Barber in first attempt. It is also new national record and he is the 9th ever to clear that barrier indoors. Last time somebody else than Renaud Lavillenie went over 6 meters indoor was Steven Hooker back in 2010. Barber should travel next week to Europe and already on January 23 meet in Rouen with World record holder Renaud Lavillenie. Second Seito Yamamoto achieved Japanese indoor record 577 cm. Third Sam Kendricks 565 and fourth another Japanese Hiroki Ogita 555. Fifth Victor Weirich also 555 as the same 555 for B competition winner Mark Hollis. Top three in women elite competition cleared 471 cm. Winner Sandi Morris (her indoor best) over Greek European medalist Katerina Stefanidi and Mary Saxer (equaled her overall PB). Fourth Kylie Hutson 450.
Editor’s note: Shawn Barber is the real thing. His 2015 summer of jumping was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed Shawn’s jumping in London, but his Beijing performance was one for the ages.
