I don't know about its applicability at the top level, but at the novice
level and in training I see it used now and then. Heck, I used the same
method myself when I set my earth-shattering 2.70m pole vault PR (with a
six-step run-up).
Elliott
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Maybe others are doing this, or Tye Harvey has done it before and I didn't
notice, but Mr. Harvey did something that shocked (well, surprised, at
least) everybody I was with at Millrose last Friday.
>
> He only used one hand on the pole during his approach.
>
> He simply held the pole overhead with his right (top) hand and let the
butt slide down the runway. When he was a step or so before plant, he
grabbed on with the bottom hand and let fly.
>
> Would the theory be that you could get a more natural (albeith still
unnatural) running motion that way, thus building up more speed?
>
> I'd be curious to find out if this is indeed something new, or if any of
the vault gurus think it has any future. I just know I was grimacing each
time I watched him run, thinking about what would happen to his right
arm/hand should the pole catch a nasty seam on the runway.
