I always thought this blog would be an avenue for me to update my family and friends on my competitions and my travels and maybe Id throw some insights that Ive learned for the upcoming vaulters. I was so wrong! This blog is a story, a novel that is being written one day at a time. I know you the reader is just holding your breathe as you turn the page, hoping that I would succeed, because you know the work, the heartache and the passion of the story. I think that's why I have such a following and why we connect so well to Olympians, the story is real! Ive been blessed to meet most of you and have been strengthened and inspired by you to continue on this insane journey. So many of you wear my shirts and have donated to my training fund. I can tell you I definitely would not still be doing this without your support.
Just one more reason this is the greatest sport in the world, in the couple of days following my competition I received many texts from my competitors congratulating me, so happy for me. That's what brings us vaulters young and old together , we understand the dogfight, the down and dirty wrestling match and its so great to see someone come out on top because this sport doesn't fight fair. Its the journey that makes the success so much sweeter. We all need that reminder when the going gets tough, and I'm so happy to add a positive page to this story.
Ill leave you with a pretty sweet bar cam video that I was lucky enough to be given by the guys at Virginia Tech. Shows my clearances of 17'8", 18'2", and 18'6".
Always Pursuing
-Mark-