Day 6: Rita Hanscom wins third gold, in W55 pole vault
Rita Hanscom’s W55 superstar tour continued in Lahti today when she won the pole vault at 2.70 meters. It was her third gold at worlds, after winning the hep and the 300 hurdles. In the vault, she beat Ute Ritte, the wife of German masters vault legend Wolfgang Ritte, and Britain’s Sue Yeomans. She tied for her final height but had virtually no misses until her last three jumps. She won on fewer misses. Rita used a house pole, since she didn’t bring her own 12-120 Spirit pole from home in San Diego. She jumped with a Pacer Mystic, also 12 feet long and rated for 120 pounds. But the pole provided by WMA had a different feel and bend, and Rita said she lacked confidence going in. Starting low, she gained it. And despite not having her standards set at the best place, she beat five other women, including a German named Grania Leaping Rabbit.
Rita Hanscom, with fewer misses, won her third event at Lahti worlds.
Rita used this Pacer WMA house pole for her gold medal.
11 Responses
Ok Rita you proved your point, you can do anything. Thanks for the praise but you did all the work.
OUTSTANDING!
Fantastic, You are truly amazing!
Great Going to Rita and to Renee Henderson too. Looks like Renee just set another American Record, this time in the W45 200m with a 25.33, breaking Phil’s 25.56.
Rita should be masters track athlete of the year
I am totally in awe.
BRAVO, Rita, what an inspiration!
Great job Rita!
Seems like she could easily get the W55 WR for the women’s Decathlon too.
Awesome, Rita! Wonderful to be able to follow your triumphs from home.
Aloha Rita from Bonita and San Diego and Riverside. Mac and I think you are awesome.
Way to go Rita! We are very proud of you. We have followed your events closely and my kids are talking about it! Not only have you inspired masters athletes, but the young ones too. Viva Rita!
Rita was amazing to watch in her events! I told our other W55 competitors in the 100 to watch her events if they could, and that in English we have an expression — “Jack (or Jill) of all trades, but master of none” but that this doesn’t apply to Rita — she’s the Master of them all!
Love ya, Rita!
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