Gérard Dumas: ‘Pitiful’ vaulter marks latest historic milestone
Gérard Dumas, a British Columbian fluent in two languages (English and Canadian), also speaks vault. In fact, he’s the pre-eminent historian of the event. He’s also the most vertically traveled vaulter ever. Now 74, Gérard claims 1,000 competitions (not including beach vaults or meets where he recorded no heights), reports Roger Ruth. “Gérard has competed in a total of 1,048 meets, five of those beach and 38 no-heights, leaving a total of 1,005 officially recorded. A former French indoor champion, his career best was 4.53 (14-10 1/4) in 1967,” says Roger, a former M40 WR man in the vault. Still clever after all these years, Gérard graciously consented to another interrogation after his historic season.
Gérard jumped 14 feet this day in 1966, his pit composed of scrap foam remnants.
My quickie Q&A with Gérard:
Masterstrack.com: Which meet was your official No. 1,000 with a height? What was your mark?
Gérard Dumas: BC Seniors Games: September 18, 2009. Richmond, BC, Canada.
2.20 meters (7-2¾) on five strides (injured as usual).Did you realize it at the time — or figure it out after the fact?
No, I knew exactly which meet number it was.
Did you have any coaches or authority figures in your youth who told you vaulting wasn’t your cup of tea? In other words, who would you like to say “See me now!” to?
Actually no. My old coach, 1948 110HH Olympian Gilbert Omnès, died a long time ago.
Have any idea who might be No. 2 behind you?
Not really, but I have the German Tim Lobinger on my lists. He is approaching the 700-meet mark. He is not 40 yet and a much much better vaulter than I. Among the U.S. vaulters, Earl Bell is probably the most prolific with just 500 meets.
Will you compete at Kamloops in March — or Sacramento worlds in 2011?
Yes, I just entered the meet in Kamloops. It will be my 11th World meet.
What was your first favorite pole (its composition, length, rated weight, etc.)?
In my 30s and 40s and beyond I would use Pacer poles. Now I use a Spirit 12-6 with a test weight way below my own weight.
What is your current favorite pole?
Any pole that will make me jump is my favorite pole. I used bamboo a month ago with my athletes because I make them jump once a year with such a pole (or metal) to bring them back to reality.
What’s the hardest thing about vaulting at your age?
Being able to get to the stadium in any vehicle other than an ambulance or a hearse. I never train (injuries) and warm up very little (injuries).
Why do you still vault?
Strangely enough, I enjoy my pitiful jumping as much as I did my mediocre ones in the past.
When will you quit?
On the runway clinching the left side of my chest. Regretting however not being able to file that last result.
4 Responses
Magnifique! Extraordinaire! Bravo Gérard!
And thanks! to Ken an Roger Ruth for this beautiful T&F-story.
Tremendous person and resource for our sport. Thanks also to Roger and Ken! GREAT story!! Bubba
Congratulations Gerard. I look forward to meeting you finally, in Kamloops.
– John
There are few as passionate in any field as Gerard is about PV. Having known him for (now) 33 years, he is tireless in his dedication to the vault. He’s coached for the Victoria Track and Field Club since 1966, and now is enjoying having multi-generational athletes to coach, as some of us “old timers” are following our children (who have taken up the sport) back into the vault ourselves. Gerard is,…well, he’s Gerard!!
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