In Clermont-Ferrand, in the middle of the French Central Massif, the ultimate world elite in pole jumping has now gathered to compete in one last race for the outdoor season. Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie arranges the competition to be decided in his own hometown and SVT Sport got the chance to sit down with the three big poster names on the men's side, Renaud Lavillenie, Armand Duplantis and Sam Kendricks.
"We try to be entertaining"As Armand Duplantis has broken the world record twice and others made good results this winter, the branch has been given a proper attention push. A fact that is not least clear in Clermont, where media houses from all over Europe are represented for reporting from the competition.
- It's good, of course, we can't complain about that. We have always competed against the sprint branches for the attention in athletics. But with what Sam and "Mondo" are doing, it looks like we will get all the attention in Tokyo, "says Renaud Lavillenie to SVT Sport.
- We go out on the track and try to be entertaining for the audience. We want to make it fun and enjoyable to look at pole jumping, says Swedish world record holder Armand Duplantis.
Good atmosphere among the rivalsThe newly gained attention for the branch has also led to many questions about the seemingly very good cohesion that exists among the competitors. The stave jump rivals are often seen traveling together to competitions and both during the competition and in their leisure time the pleasant atmosphere is noticeable.
- I think there were more barriers before. The Americans traveled with the Americans and so on. But the last 5-7 years there has been a very welcoming atmosphere within the branch. There have been no elbows because we are afraid of the competition, says two-time world champion Sam Kendricks.
The 33-year veteran Renaud Lavillenie agrees with Kendricks.
- In the past there was a brotherhood but then it was only among the countrymen. It is a very nice development we have had and there is no reason for it to slow down.