Flair For Dramatics – Stucyzynski Breaks American Pole Vault Record

One of the lessons that Jenn Stuzynski learned from her countless attempts at the U.S. indoor national record is that winning is never easy. That’s why she didn’t lose hope at breaking Stacey Dragila’s record at the Boston Indoor Games. The new record 15 feet, 9 3-4 inches, was good enough to win a $25,000 bonus for breaking the world mark.

Kara Goucher won the 3,000 meters in a personal best of 8:46.65 seconds. Sally Kipyego made history setting a new collegiate record of 8:48.77 on Saturday. The previous record of 8:49.28 was held by Kim Smith of Providence set in 2004.

Right now, Olympic champion Steven Hooker of Austrialia is untouchable. He won the men’s pole vault with a height of 19 feet, 10 1/2 inches — the eighth-best in history, and the only person other than Sergei Bubka to reach it.

Flanagan smashes American Record
In the most exciting race, Sentayehu Ejigu of Ethiopia outleaned Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan and hit the tape 0.005 seconds in front to win the women’s 5,000 meters in 14 minutes, 47.613 seconds. Flanagan, who finished with the same official time on the scoreboard, set an American record and also got a $25,000 bonus.

Ethiopian Bekana Daba led from the gun in the men’s 3,000 meters, with Galen Rupp right on his heels. But at the bell lap, Daba was pulling away as Rupp was laboring, and the Ethiopian crossed the line in 7:41.88 ahead of Rupp’s 7:44.69.

Winners in other events
Mike Rodgers continued his streaking winning the 60 meters in 6.58 seconds, just ahead of Darvis Patton (6.61) and Travis Padgett (6.62). Two-time Olympian Terrance Trammell won the 60 meter hurdles in 7.53 seconds ahead of Antwon Hicks (7.68). 2006 NCAA indoor and outdoor 200m champion Shalonda Solomon added a world leader in the Visa women’s 200m dash, winning easily in 23.17.

Photo courtesy: Matthew Healy

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