New Zealand –Rising pole vault star Eliza McCartney is ranked fifth in the world going into the World Youth Championships staged in Donetsk (July 10-14). We caught up with the North Harbour Bays 16-year-old on her progress and aspirations for her Ukrainian challenge tomorrow.
How did you get into the pole vault?
EM: One of my friends wanted to train as a decathlete and as pole vault is in the decathlon and I was high jumping at the time I thought pole vaulting looked like fun, so I gave it a go. I was either aged 14 or just turning 14 at the time.
What are your memories of your first pole vaulting experience?
EM: It started off very slowly. To begin with you are just holding on to the pole and falling onto the mat. I do remember, though, the first time that the pole bent – that was quite exciting. Shooting up the air after bending the pole is such a different feeling.
You were never afraid of the event?
EM: It was a little bit scary at first. I think that is the case for all things you try that is a bit different. It is scary but exciting at the same time. more
