Morris claims silver, Šutej earns bronze in World pole vault final

TOKYO – Arkansas alums Sandi Morris and Tina Šutej collected silver and bronze medals in the World Championship pole vault final held at Japan National Stadium on Wednesday with season best marks of 15 feet, 11 inches (4.85) and 15 feet, 9 inches (4.80).

“I’m happy with the night,” stated Morris. “Of course, I wanted the gold medal. I gave it my best effort, but I can’t be disappointed with a season’s best and getting back on the podium.

“I’ve made it through injuries and overcame so much over the last few years. I’ve sacrificed so much to get back to this place. So, it’s better to be walking away with another silver medal and there’s a lot worst things in the world than a silver medal at the World Championships.”

An enthralling pole vault final produced season best marks for all three medalists as Katie Moon defended her 2022 and 2023 world titles with a clearance of 16-0.75 (4.90). Moon and Morris generated a repeat their 1-2 finish from 2022 in Eugene.

Moon matches the trio of World Outdoor gold medals won by Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva (2005, 2007, 2013). Morris collected her fourth silver medal at a World Outdoor Championship, matching the leading total of four pole vault medals claimed by Isinbayeva, who also had a bronze medal in 2003.

The trio of Tokyo medalists made a pair of bars on first attempts at 14-7.25 (4.45) and 15-3 (4.65). While Moon and Morris cleared 15-7 (4.75) on their first try, Šutej needed three attempts to clear.

Moon moved into the lead with a first attempt clearance at 15-9 while Morris and Šutej required a second attempt. Then a first attempt make at 15-11 moved Morris into the lead as Moon missed once and passed to the next height.

When Amalie Svabikova of Czech Republic missed twice at 15-9 and passed her final attempt to try and miss at 15-11 it secured the bronze medal for Šutej, who ran through three tries at 15-11.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” noted Šutej. “The last World Championships I was in fourth place. Finally getting a medal feels amazing.

“I cleared 4.75 on a third attempt, because all the jumps I made were on different poles. My first attempt my pole was too soft. I went up a pole and it was soft again. I took a pole that I haven’t jumped on for the past two years. I told myself your fast on the runway, so I have to go all in. At 4.80 I did an ever better jump and that’s the jump I’m most happy about.”

Morris added: “That was so special, absolutely. I was just talking with her about Coach Compton and going to Arkansas together. It’s such a bond that we will carry with us forever. It’s really special to see her finally get the medal that she deserves at a World Outdoor Championship, and I’m so happy for her.”

With the bar at 16-0.75 (4.90), Moon managed to get over on her second attempt. Morris, meanwhile, missed twice at 16-0.75 and passed for one missed attempt at 16-2.75 (4.95).

“When I went to attempt 4.90, I knew I was going to have to make it to seal the deal,” noted Morris. “I gave 4.90 my best shot. My second attempt was really good, if I got a little more bar love it might have stayed. But it wasn’t meant to be.

“We put the bar to 4.95 and I didn’t quite have time to get recovered to try to give my best attempt. I’m not very happy with my attempt at that height to be honest. I did give it my best effort, and that’s the sport.”