The Mercato held its third annual Pole Vault in the Plaza event on June 7.
“ Pole vault is the most complicated, technically difficult event in track and field by far,” says former decathlete John Walsh who coaches high school pole vaulters in Naples. “There’s so many things that go into it.”
Beyond the physical traits required to thrive in the sport, Walsh and his athletes spoke of the fearlessness, dedication, and confidence that pole vaulters need to succeed.
“The size and length and weight of the poles, the bend of the poles, the stiffness of the poles. And that’s just where you start – the rest of it is the technique to run full speed and jump off the ground with this big stick in your hand and then figure out what to do in the air.”
Dining, music and fun: Mercato is hot and getting hotter
Pole Vault in the Plaza was back at the Mercato for a 2nd year
Setting a high bar: Naples pole vaulters Luther Mogelvang, Bates twins soaring to titles