Top 20 Pole Vaulting Events in the USA for July 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
July 2024 promises to be an exciting month for pole vaulting enthusiasts in the USA. Whether you're a beginner, an elite athlete, or a passionate fan, there are numerous events to look forward to. Here's a detailed look at the top 20 pole vaulting events happening this July, including links and information about what each age group is doing and how professionals are gearing up for the Olympics.
1. 2024 Pole Vault Championships
Date: Early July
Location: Washington, DC
Details: Sanctioned by USATF and World Athletics, this event is a major competition for elite athletes, featuring various divisions.
Highlights:
Elite Men’s Division: With entry standards of 5.5m for automatic qualifying and 5.2m for the waitlist, the competition will feature top athletes like Austin Miller, Matt Ludwig, and Scott Houston. The starting height is set at 4.85m, with progressions leading up to potential new facility records.
Elite Women’s Division: Featuring athletes like Bridget Williams and Anicka Newell, the competition starts at 3.75m, with entry standards of 4.3m (automatic) and 4.0m (waitlist).
Prize Money: A total of $7,000 in prize money is up for grabs, with bonuses for setting new facility records.
Elite Athletes to Watch
Austin Miller: With a personal best of 5.90m, Miller is a Silver Medalist from the 2023 Championships and an Olympic Trials finalist.
Matt Ludwig: The 2023 Pan American Games Champion and Olympian brings a best of 5.90m to the event.
Bridget Williams: A Pan Am Games Gold Medalist, Williams boasts a personal best of 4.83m.
Anicka Newell: A two-time Olympian with a best of 4.70m, Newell is a formidable competitor.
Event Features
The DC Vault Pole Vault Center will be the venue, equipped with three Mondo runways and top-of-the-line pits. Spectators can enjoy free grilled hotdogs and veggie dogs, making it a family-friendly event. The venue also offers overnight pole storage and pole rentals for convenience.
This event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of athletic prowess and dedication. Whether you're a fan or an athlete, the 2024 Pole Vault Championships is an event you won’t want to miss.
Link: 2024 Pole Vault Championships
2. Summer National Championships
Date: July 18-20
Location: Mac Vault Academy, Navasota, TX
Details: This event includes age divisions from 10 and under to Masters. Automatic qualifiers compete based on performances in regional qualifiers.
Link: Summer National Championships
3. USATF-NE Pole Vault Meet
Date: July 30
Location: Westborough, MA
Details: Open to USATF members, this event features multiple flights based on performance.
Link: USATF-NE Pole Vault Meet
4. Pole Vault Atlanta Summer Camp
Date: July 9-11
Location: Atlanta, GA
Details: This camp offers technical instruction for all levels of vaulters, emphasizing drills and techniques for beginners to advanced athletes.
Link: Pole Vault Atlanta Summer Camp
5. Liberty Bell Classic
Date: Early July
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Details: A competition attracting top pole vaulters from the region. Age groups include youth, high school, collegiate, and Masters.
6. Texas River Vault
Date: July 1
Location: Waco, TX
Details: Hosted by Zero-G, this event features pole vaulting over a river, adding a unique twist to the competition.
Link: Texas River Vault
7. National Street Vault Championships
Date: July
Location: Akron, OH
Details: A unique street pole vaulting event that combines urban atmosphere with high-level competition.
8. Beach Vault
Date: July 8
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Details: Hosted by Westbrook Pole Vault, this event combines beach fun with competitive vaulting.
Link: Beach Vault
9. USATF Junior Olympics Regional Qualifiers
Date: Throughout July
Location: Various locations
Details: Regional qualifiers leading up to the Junior Olympics, featuring youth and high school athletes.
10. West Coast Pole Vault Summit
Date: July
Location: Reno, NV
Details: A gathering of elite pole vaulters for competition and clinics, open to all age groups.
11. Sunset Vault
Date: July 8
Location: Abilene, TX
Details: An evening event organized by Vault Zone, featuring beautiful sunset backdrops.
Link: Sunset Vault
12. Port Aransas Beach Vault
Date: July 14-15
Location: Port Aransas, TX
Details: A popular event for vaulters of all levels, combining beach fun with competition.
Link: Port Aransas Beach Vault
13. Southeast Pole Vault Championships
Date: July 8
Location: Atlanta, GA
Details: Hosted by Pole Vault Atlanta, featuring various age divisions and elite competitions.
Link: Southeast Pole Vault Championships
14. Midwest Pole Vault Championships
Date: July
Location: Chicago, IL
Details: An event drawing top talent from the Midwest, including youth, high school, and collegiate athletes.
15. Northeast Pole Vault Classic
Date: July
Location: New York, NY
Details: Featuring elite and amateur vaulters, this classic competition draws a diverse group of athletes.
16. Rocky Mountain Vault Series
Date: Throughout July
Location: Denver, CO
Details: A series of competitions held throughout the month, catering to all age groups and levels.
17. Southwest Pole Vault Invitational
Date: July
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Details: A major event for pole vaulters in the Southwest, featuring youth, high school, and elite divisions.
18. California State Pole Vault Championships
Date: July
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Details: Featuring top high school and collegiate vaulters, this state championship is a key event for up-and-coming athletes.
19. Florida Summer Vault Festival
Date: July
Location: Miami, FL
Details: A festive event with competitions and clinics for all age groups, including beginners and elite vaulters.
20. Northern Pole Vault Challenge
Date: July
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Details: An event attracting vaulters from the Northern states, featuring youth, high school, collegiate, and Masters divisions.
Preparing for the Olympics
Professional pole vaulters are intensifying their training routines and competing in these events as part of their preparation for the 2024 Olympics. These competitions provide valuable opportunities for athletes to test their skills, refine their techniques, and gain competitive experience against top-level opponents. Coaches are focusing on perfecting the athletes' form, increasing their strength and agility, and ensuring they are in peak physical condition. Participating in these diverse events also helps athletes adapt to different environments and conditions, which is crucial for performing well on the world stage.
For more detailed information and to register for these events, please visit the provided links. Whether you're a participant or a fan, these events offer an exciting glimpse into the world of pole vaulting and the incredible talent of athletes at all levels.
