In an earlier thread I noted my feeling that the world's big-time vaulters--in reaction to the IAAF's blowing off of their plea to go back to the larger pegs used on crossbars before this year--need to engage in some "civil disobedience" down the line. I've just run a few numbers and feel even more strongly than ever about it.
Looking at the now-completed indoor season, for the first time since 1985 (18 years!) there was no
vaulter over 5.90 (19-4.25). Indeed, there wasn't even one over 5.85 (19-2.25)!
Let's make 5.80 a benchmark, since it's essentially also 19-feet. This year 5 vaulters had 8 meets at 5.80 or better (world leader at 5.82).
Last year, when there was no Olympics or WC to peak for, so you could expect a dip, 10 guys did it 14 times.
In '01 it was 10 guys, 23 times, and in '00 it was 9 guys 17 times. Bit of a difference, eh?
How to take one of the sport's biggest-selling events and turn it into crap in one easy lesson.
Looking at the now-completed indoor season, for the first time since 1985 (18 years!) there was no
vaulter over 5.90 (19-4.25). Indeed, there wasn't even one over 5.85 (19-2.25)!
Let's make 5.80 a benchmark, since it's essentially also 19-feet. This year 5 vaulters had 8 meets at 5.80 or better (world leader at 5.82).
Last year, when there was no Olympics or WC to peak for, so you could expect a dip, 10 guys did it 14 times.
In '01 it was 10 guys, 23 times, and in '00 it was 9 guys 17 times. Bit of a difference, eh?
How to take one of the sport's biggest-selling events and turn it into crap in one easy lesson.
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