DES MOINES – The Pole Vault at Jordan Creek Town Center, a favorite of Drake Relays fans, is back once again this year with some of the top ranked pole vaulters in the world. On Wednesday, April 23, crowds will gather in the open spaces of Jordan Creek Town Center to watch reigning Relays and Mall champions compete to defend their titles.
Last year, Bjorn Otto came off a silver medal Olympic performance in 2012 to sweep the men’s pole vault events. Due to injury, Otto won’t be able to defend his title, but American record holder Brad Walker will compete along with 2012 Olympic gold medalist and current indoor world record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France.
“He’s going to be a headliner for us in the mall,” Relays Director Brian Brown said of Lavillenie. “He’s going to hopefully continue to assault the pole vault. Every time he goes out to jump, Renaud does a great job and he jumps like there’s no tomorrow.”
On the women’s side, competition will be close. Olympic silver medalist Yarisley Silva will attempt to defend both of her 2013 Relays titles after taking bronze at the 2013 World Championships. But her titles will again be challenged by the world’s No. 1 vaulter, Jenn Suhr. Last year, Suhr took second behind Silva at the Drake Relays, but roles were reversed at the world championships when Suhr took silver ahead of Silva.
The top two vaulters in the world will face two other competitors ranked in the top 10 in the world in Kyle Hutson and Mary Saxer.
Pole Vault in the mall begins at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines.
