¶2015 WC mPV: Shawn Barber (Can) 19-4¼ (5.90)

[tamabi]

My question is: why didn't Lavillenie pass his last attempt at 5.90 and take a shot at the 6m bar? I know it's very risky, but he was gonna get the bronze anyway, and he knew he was the only one who had a chance of getting over 6m.

[Per Andersen]

My question is: why didn't Lavillenie pass his last attempt at 5.90 and take a shot at the 6m bar? I know it's very risky, but he was gonna get the bronze anyway, and he knew he was the only one who had a chance of getting over 6m.

I don't think he was concerned about other medals than the Gold. He just needed to make a bar. With his confidence he probably could not see missing a third time on 5.90. Maybe, in his mind it made no difference if he cleared 5.90 or 6m at that stage. But 5.90 is lower and with his expected clearance - 3 attempts at 6m instead of just one.

[tamabi]

I don't think he was concerned about other medals than the Gold. He just needed to make a bar. With his confidence he probably could not see missing a third time on 5.90. Maybe, in his mind it made no difference if he cleared 5.90 or 6m at that stage. But 5.90 is lower and with his expected clearance - 3 attempts at 6m instead of just one.

Tbh, I don't think anyone really expected him to fail at 5.90, esp. given how much height he had during his 5.80 vault and in each of his failed attempts (height was never the problem...)

[polevaultpower]

Another potential thing for the Barber ledger sheet.

What are the NCAA rules regarding national funding from your federation? Is that a revenue source that Barber doesn't currently get that comes on line if he goes pro?

I don't think you can get any funding above actual expenses. I think he can get all of his travel and such paid for, but not $$ in his pocket.

But foreign athletes have had ways of circumventing these rules for a long time, the NCAA and its member institutions have almost zero ability to enforce what happens in Europe. I'm sure some arrangements were made with Athletics Canada to make sure Shawn gets his when he goes pro...

[polevaultpower]

Barber just announced via Twitter that he has signed with Nike.

[gh]

where's my feather?

[Atticus]

Barber just announced via Twitter that he has signed with Nike.

If you should happen across any of the particulars of said contract, or any concomitant endorsement contracts, you can slide those bad boys by us here. I am fascinated by this.