Advances in pole-making technology are primarily responsible for the huge increase in pole vaulting heights over the years. William Hoyt won the 1896 Olympic pole vault with a leap of 3.30 meters. By comparison, the gold medal vault of American Tim Mack (above) measured 5.95 meters. Today’s poles, made from carbon fiber and fiberglass composite materials, are lighter – permitting greater speed on the approach – stronger and more flexible than their predecessors.
