Steep learning curve for vaulter
Kurtis Marschall was a high school student in Adelaide when the focus of the world was on the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Five years on and the spotlight is back on the same stadium for the world athletics championships and as Australia’s No.1 pole vaulter Marschall finds himself in the middle of it.
“I think I jumped 4.50m that year (2012). And now I am going into the world champs in the same stadium jumping 5.73m. It’s pretty crazy.”
What was crazy was Marschall’s rapid rise last year when he went from promising junior to Rio Olympic representative within a few months.
He thought clearing 5.70m to get into the Olympic team was a fluke.
Now, he does it regularly which is why he’s a completely different athlete and person going into his first world championships.
Marschall, 20, has started to make a name for himself on the European scene, including claiming the scalp of world record holder and 2012 Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie.
Last year’s world junior championships silver medallist has spent more time in the gym since
Rio and feels like he’s moved on from being the “under-developed kid” success.
“Coming into these championships with a 5.73m PB, that would probably get me into a final,” Marschall (pictured) said.
“I jumped well in Monaco, I had a few attempts at 5.77 and only one bloke cleared higher than that in that meet. I am going in there filled with confidence knowing I have done the work.”