Pole vault

Pole vault, sporting event in which an athlete jumps over a crossbar using a pole to push him- or herself off the ground. The crossbar is supported by 2 uprights and is set at a specified height. The pole is usually made of fiberglass and is from 12 to 16 1/2 ft (3.7 to 5 m) long. The vaulter grips one end of the pole, runs at top speed, and plants the other end of the pole into the take-off box. The pole bends and catapults the vaulter upwards towards the crossbar as it straightens again. The vaulter pulls his or her body up into a handstand position at the top of the pole, swings his or her feet over the crossbar, pushes the pole away, travels across the bar, and drops down. The vaulter lands onto a soft area called a pit. The vaulter has been successful when he or she has cleared the crossbar without dislodging it.