Pawel Wojciechowski (POL) (© Getty Images)
Pawel Wojciechowski leapt to the top of the current world season list for the men’s Pole Vault in Szczecin, Poland last night (16) with a second time clearance at 5.91m. The previous best this season was 5.90m by Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie in Monaco on 22 July.
Wojciechowski, who came into the meeting as Polish season leader with 5.81m, surprised the spectators with his effort especially considering at the rain soaked national championships the previous weekend he had only managed to finish third with 5.60m.
Last night Wojciechowski was back in the groove with first time clearances at 5.60 and 5.75, before taking the 5.91 bar on his second try, a new national record, and then making two failed attempts at 6.01m before ending his competition.
Finishing with 5.50 but separated on countback were Igor Bychkov, second, and Brad Walker, third, with Hendrik Gruber and Anton Ivakin sharing fourth position also with 5.50m.
Wojciechowski is one of three male vaulters selected by Poland in their team for the 2011 IAAF World Championships, Daegu, Korea (27 Aug to 4 Sep) - Pawel Wojciechowski, Lukasz Michalski (5.72), Mateusz Didenkow (5.72).
Zbigniew Jonik and Chris Turner for the IAAF
