The Complex Physics of Olympic Pole-Vaulting

The level of athleticism and skill required for a successful vault is overwhelming. Pole-vaulting, a Track and Field event, was introduced to the Olympics in 1896 (The Physics of Pole Vaulting, 2009). The goal of this event is to get over a bar that is set at a certain height using a vaulting pole for a boost. The athlete has three attempts to get over each height; once they have failed the three attempts, they are out of the competition. Athletes that are able to get over the height within the three attempts move on to the next height, which usually increase by 3 to 6 inch increments. Although the vaulting pole is crucial in pole-vaulting, there is more to it then that, all of which play a huge role in how high you get. When pole-vaulting

Once we plant by pushing the pole to the back of the box in the ground, the pole begins to bend, and like a spring will eventually return to its normal shape. During this period of time, the pole is in a stable equilibrium (Bloomfield, 1997). Right before the vaulter plants, they should be going in a forward and upward motion (Linthorn, 2000). During the plant, the pole begins to bend as you are putting force on it and absorbs the kinetic energy that is transferred from the vaulter. Like a spring though, the kinetic energy that was absorbed is transferred into elastic potential energy. The pole is bent because of the energy, force, and momentum from the vaulter. Once the pole hits the end of the box, there will be some energy lost. In order to minimize as much energy loss as possible, you would have to perfect the planting technique (The Physics of Pole Vaulting, 2009). This is a hard mission to accomplish, for most of the energy is lost in the plant is determined on the angle of your arms and position of your body (Linthorn, 2000). For instance, when you plant the pole and your arms are flimsy or bent with the planter foot pointing to an angle other than straight in front,, your body will move in that direction and you risk hitting the crossbars that hold the bar up. In order to lose less energy and control where your body goes, the vaulters arms need to be strong and straight while pushing on the pole as you jump in the air during the plant. Your body and planter foot also need to be pointing straight ahead, pointing at the pole. Although, at some point the force the pole has on the vaulter will be to strong and the arms and torso will push back; this helps the vaulter then pull on the pole as they try to rotate into an upside down position (Linthorn,