Nadine O'Connor raises own WR in W65 pole vault
Nadine O'Connor of Del Mar, California, improved her own W65 age-group world record in the vault last weekend at a single-event meet at San Diego State University that drew 18 entrants. Called the Friday Night Summer Vault (with complete results here), the meet saw Nadine, 66, clear three heights on her first try, ending with a jump of 3.06 meters (10-0 1/2) to better her own listed WR of 3.05 (10-0) set in March 2007. Nadine was grateful that head official Richard Fox made sure all the conditions were right for record consideration.
The best vault Friday was by 52-year-old Charlie Brown, who cleared 4.30 (14-1 1/4). The world record for that age group is Gary Hunter's 4.75 (15-7).
On her jumps, Nadine reports:
Rich Fox and others are very kindly putting on these vault meets at SD State. We are so lucky to have these fun and well run meets in our backyard. I entered my first meet there a couple weeks ago and found that I could run about 65 feet without my hip hurting too much and did much better than I expected.Just FYI: Nadine's performance corresponds on the Age-Graded Tables to an Open (ages 20-30) equivalent of 6.23 meters (20-5 1/4). Incredible.So last Friday Rich was kind enough to have three officials there in case I made a record. The measurement, time, etc. is such a pain for everyone, especially the other athletes, that I only went for a height which I was pretty confident to make.
I wasn't pleased with my technique, but I was excited to make all three of my height attempts on the first try. The officials, Rich, and the competitors have been very patient and encouraging. I hope to try again this Friday.
In addition to the Friday meets, Rich and others have been conducting weekly clinics Wednesday evenings. I haven't been able to go, but I have heard lots of positive comments about them.
Nice jump, Nadine. Stay healthy and go higher!
Comments
Way to go, Nadine! You're a wonder!
Posted by: Barry Warmerdam | July 25, 2008 6:36 AM