Pole vault might be the most visually dramatic event in athletics, combining a full sprint, a flexible pole and a bar set well above head height. It is also one of the most technically demanding disciplines to master, which is part of why one athlete has been able to dominate it so completely.
How the Event Works
Vaulters sprint down a runway carrying a flexible pole, plant it into a box at the base of the standards, and use the pole’s bend to launch themselves upward and over a horizontal bar before releasing the pole and falling onto a landing mat.
Scoring and Attempts
- Three attempts allowed at each height, similar to high jump
- Vaulters can choose to pass on a height to save energy
- Knocking the bar off during clearance results in a failed attempt
Why Pole Selection Matters
Unlike high jump, vaulters must also manage pole selection, choosing stiffness and length based on their running speed and body weight. A pole that is too stiff wastes energy, while one that is too flexible can fail to return enough force for a clean clearance.
Mondo Duplantis’s Era
Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis has turned world record-breaking into a recurring event of its own, repeatedly raising his own mark rather than simply competing against the field. His technical efficiency and rare combination of sprint speed and gymnastic body control have made him the sport’s biggest draw, and he is expected to headline the pole vault final at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this August.
For the full schedule around that event, including when his final takes place, see our European Athletics Championships 2026 guide.
Comparing to High Jump
While the goal is similar to high jump, clearing a bar without knocking it down, the addition of a flexible pole introduces an entirely different skill set. Our high jump rules guide breaks down how that simpler, poleless event compares technically.
The Bottom Line
Pole vault rewards a rare combination of speed, gymnastic ability and technical precision. With Duplantis continuing to push the world record higher, the event remains one of the most must-watch disciplines in the sport.