John Altendorf crushed M65 vault world record twice at Kamloops

Even though John Altendorf says he hasn’t been “jumping at a level I should,” he managed some passable vaults last weekend at Canadian masters indoor nationals. Yeah, I’d say. He upped the M65 world record twice, beating the listed WR of 3.51 by fellow Yank Matti Kilpelainen. “After not being able to make it to USA Nationals, I felt fortunate to get the opportunity to compete in Kamloops at the Canadian Indoor Championships,” he writes. “There was a benefit however, I turned 65 between the two meets. During the competition, I didn’t feel like I was jumping well. After viewing video of a few of my jumps, I can see many deficiencies in my vaults. But I was able to save a few jumps and, as it happens, they were enough to achieve a record in my new age group; first at 3.60 and then 3.70 meters (12 1 1/2).”

John Altendorf at 2010 Sacramento masters nationals. (Chris Stone photo)


John continued in a note to me late Monday:

Needing three attempts to make 3.70 used up energy I was planning to be available for subsequent heights. That, and me losing some confidence, took its toll and my attempts at 3.80 (12-5 1/2) just weren’t good enough to deserve a make. I’m pleased to have achieved a record but know I need to work more on both my conditioning and my technique. Hopefully I will get working on both soon.

OMG, John! Just think how high you’ll go outdoors with a little fitness. Four meters or bust! California, here you come!

Oh and BTW: A year ago at Kamloops he went 4.02 (13-2 1/4) and 4.05 (13-3 1/2) at worlds — both M60 world indoor records.

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March 22, 2011

13 Responses

  1. Kim Williams - March 22, 2011

    Fantastic photo too!

  2. Bubba Sparks - March 22, 2011

    As always, even with John’s “deficiencies”, he is better than anyone ever has been. The only M60 to EVER clear 13′ (3.97m) AND 4m (13′ 1 1/2″), I fully expect him to also be the first M65 to do the same before the end of the summer. GREAT job buddy!!

  3. Who's your daddy ???? - March 22, 2011

    Kudos !!

  4. Panama Kid - March 22, 2011

    Daddy: Sept.17-LA vs TX vs Others will be in Houston for the inaugural meet.

  5. Who's your daddy ???? - March 23, 2011

    Panama…….which airport is closest ? What venue is being used ? What is the start time ?? What events ?? I won’t have any issues from work as far as taking off Friday to arrive. I’d like to leave Saturday…..I’m probably attending an NFL game that Sunday. The NFL schedule comes out next month.

  6. Panama Kid - March 23, 2011

    Daddy:Nothing confirm yet,but it looks like the same venue that will host National Senior. Seth Brower is still working on it.Will keep you posted once it’s confirmed.IAH is the closest-Mucho hotels and good eateries in the area.Maybe it was typo on your part, but 17th. is a SAT.

  7. Bubba Sparks - March 24, 2011

    Panama, what meet is this? I live in Houston. Thank you!

  8. Who's your daddy ???? - March 24, 2011

    Panama….I’m aware Saturday is the 17th. I was just saying I’ll have no problem flying in a day early….however….I’d like to leave late that Saturday afternoon.

  9. Panama Kid - March 24, 2011

    Daddy:No hay problema BRO-As soon as Seth(TX) or Byron(LA)sign the contract, I will let you know.Cuidate=take care

  10. Panama Kid - March 24, 2011

    Bubba:Last year I propose a idea to Seth Brower(Austin)of Waterloo Track Club and Byron Turner(Baton Rogue)Southern Masters to start a LA Vs TX VS Other track event.They are online to do it at the Humble Stadium Sept.17-Keep looking

  11. John Altendorf - March 26, 2011

    Thanks for your comments. Jodi and I took some time after the meet to do site seeing and visiting friends on the way home. Just got back last night.

    I’ve posted videos of my 3.60m and 3.70m makes in Kamloops, and my closest attempt at 3.80m. They can be selected here.
    http://polevaulting.johnaltendorf.com/john/2011/03-20_CMA_in_champs/

  12. Who's your daddy ???? - March 26, 2011

    Panama;

    Do you intend to compete in the Senior Olympics in Houston ? If so; maybe we can meet. I’ll be present the first few days.

    What is the scoring format of the TX vs LA meet ? Will us “others” have a separate score ?

  13. Panama Kid - March 26, 2011

    E-mail at cp5113@gmail.com before someone gets ENOJADO=upset

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