Vaulting in the Big Leagues

I’m not super sure if this is legal/kosher, but I’m writing in the college section even though I’m out of college. I’m back in the vault and that’s all that matters, right?

The last time I attended a pole vault practice was in 2010 under my coach at the time, Patrick Swett. At that point, being a full time graphic design student (6 hour day of classes M-F), A student athlete, and playing in a band out in Boston twice a week chalked up to not sleeping or being able to afford rent. I had to let one of them go, and track had to be it. It was really difficult for me, but I had to do it and stopped during winter break 2010-2011. Since then, I hadn’t been near a pole.

But then….

Ingrid and I found out we were neighbors in Somerville/Arlington and went out for ice cream one day. She let me know about all the vault opportunities in the area and I was too interested to not attend at least one this month.

It’s been almost two years since my track resignation, but I’ve stayed in shape and have even been doing hurdles in the meantime. You can’t keep me away.

So yesterday, I took a road trip with Ingrid and Dan Conti out to Shirley for some 360 Gymnastic PV training. IT WAS THE BOMB.COM.

It felt so great to get off the stupid earth again and up where only few dare to go on a stick. After the first couple of shaky jumps and 4 pole-switches, I felt like I hadn’t stopped. Just like riding a bike! Turns out two years is nothing if you keep up a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. If you were ever a vaulter and can still run somewhat in control, it’s not too late!

A big thanks to Doug and Patriot PV for making this wonderful opportunity more readily available to athletes in New England. It felt great to be back after all this time but truthfully, if it weren’t for Patriot, I never would have left the ground. It’s an amazing privilege.

I’ll try to stay this time

-Sambo