A pole vaulting workshop at the NSC for prospective coaches and athletes went with a swing at the weekend. The session was led by visiting coach Laurie Needham, himself a former five-meter pole vaulter who now coaches international-level competitors. Using poles brought specially by Mr Needham on the roof rack of his car – as the center does not have enough of its own – athletes learned basic techniques and practiced by vaulting across the long jump pit. The next challenge was to run at speed with the poles and vault over the bar. Poles cost £400 to over £1,000 and the island’s Athletics Association is now hoping to attract a sponsor willing to support an island pole vaulting school. more
