Meet Imogen Ayris: The Kiwi Pole Vaulter

Imogen Ayris, is a rising star in the pole vault world. At just 23 years old, she has already achieved milestones that many athletes only dream of, including a Commonwealth Games bronze medal and representing New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Balancing her athletic career with her academic pursuits at the University of Auckland.

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Imogen Ayris Photos, Social Media, and Personal Website

Stay connected with Imogen Ayris and get a closer look at her life on and off the track:

• Instagram: @imogenayris
• Twitter: @imogenayris
• TikTok: @imogenayris

Imogen Ayris Age

• Born: December 12, 2000
• Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
• Current Age: 23

Early Life and Beginnings

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Born into a sporting family, Imogen grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. Her mother, Bridget Ayris, was a Maadi Cup gold medal-winning rower, and her late father, Barny Ayris, represented his county in football and rugby in the UK. With such an athletic lineage, it’s no surprise that Imogen showed early promise in sports.

Starting at the Takapuna Athletic and Harrier Club at age six, she initially focused on athletics and gymnastics, even representing New Zealand in an international gymnastics competition against Australia. But at age 13, her father suggested she try pole vaulting, and the rest is history.

Under the guidance of coach Jeremy McColl, she quickly found her footing. Just six months after picking up a pole, Imogen placed third at the national secondary schools championships and later won the junior national title in 2015. By age 15, she became the youngest female New Zealander to clear four meters, a feat that set the stage for her impressive career.

Career Highlights

• Commonwealth Games 2022: Despite competing with a fractured foot, Ayris vaulted 4.45 meters to clinch a bronze medal in Birmingham, New Zealand’s first medal in women’s pole vaulting at the event.
• Paris 2024 Olympics: Imogen placed 12th in the women’s pole vault final, recording a personal best of 4.60 meters.
• National Champion: Imogen claimed the New Zealand pole vault title in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
• International Debut: She competed at the 2018 World U20 Championships, followed by the 2019 Summer Universiade, where she placed 10th.

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Where Does Imogen Ayris Train?

• Training Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Coach: Scott Simpson (5.42m PR)

Imogen Ayris Height

• Height: 1.71 meters (5 feet 7 inches)

Resilience Through Adversity

Imogen’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. At the 2018 World U20 Championships, she fractured her heel during a vault but pushed through the pain to clear two qualifying heights. Recovery was slow, leading to stress reactions and other injuries that tested her physical and mental resolve.

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In 2022, she suffered a pole snap that left her with a severe hand injury, including torn webbing and bone bruising. The incident delayed her return to competition, but it also highlighted her toughness. “I grew up as a gymnast, where if you fell, you got back up immediately. But this time, I had to wait, and it was hard.”

Her strength has always been a hallmark of her career, something she credits to her upbringing and her father’s influence. After her father’s passing in 2020, Imogen honored his memory by continuing to train and compete, knowing he would have wanted her to pursue her passion.

Off the Track

A student at the University of Auckland, Imogen is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Her studies complement her athletic pursuits, with many of her courses directly applicable to her training and performance. She’s also an avid reader of fiction, finding solace in books and long walks to clear her mind.

Imogen describes herself as “a bit of a nerd,” a label she wears proudly. “I’ve always loved learning, and my teachers in high school helped me find that passion for science.” Balancing part-time studies and elite sports hasn’t been easy, but she credits the University’s High-Performance Programme and coordinator Toby Batchelor for their unwavering support.

Community and Legacy

Imogen is deeply connected to her community, from her roots at Takapuna Grammar School to her ongoing mentorship of younger athletes. She’s a regular presence at the Takapuna Athletic and Harrier Club, where her journey began.

Her bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a victory not just for her but for New Zealand athletics, inspiring a new generation of pole vaulters.

Imogen Ayris Net Worth

While her net worth is not publicly disclosed, we estimate it to be roughly $50,000. Imogen’s earnings come from competition winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements. As her profile and social media following grows, she’s poised for even greater financial and professional opportunities.