Anzhelika Sidorova was the high-flyer of Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old Russian, who competes as an Authorized Neutral Athlete, won the competition. She cleared 4.87, the winning height of the night. And she did it in less attempts than any of her colleagues. She progressed smoothly, using only one attempt per height. During her final jump, the crowd in the temporary arena went wild.
Her win is not her first triumph in Zurich: In 2014, she claimed European championship gold at Letzigrund Stadium. Once again, she enjoyed the famous athletics vibe in the city: “I love the atmosphere,” she said. “It was my first competition at Zurich Main Station, and I am happy with my performance. I will analyse the attempts together with my coach, though. In any case: Thank you, Zurich!”
Katie Nageotte (USA) placed second. The 28-year-old was the one to take the highest risks, skipping both 4.72m and 4.87m. It paid off in the end: Three attempts were enough to reach the podium at Zurich Main Station for the second time. In 2017, she had placed third. Her final result this year: 4.82m, and a very promising though failed attempt at 4.92m.
A national record for Alysha Newman
Canada’s Alysha Newman celebrated her success with an impressive backflip. After clearing 4.72m only in the third attempt, she tackled 4.82m – and succeeded in a flawless attempt, setting a new Canadian indoor record. An encore of sorts, after improving the national outdoor record to 4.82m in Paris last week. She appreciated the support the crowd provided: “It was incredible,” she said. “I love to come here, it’s just so different from competing in a stadium.”
Sandi Morris (USA) did not manage to challenge the best competitors this time around. The Olympic and world championship silver medallist placed fourth in 4.72m. She is now looking forward to her appearance in the Weltklasse Zürich closing show in which she will perform the official Weltklasse Zürich song “Souvenir”.
Nicole Büchler’s attempt at world championship entry standard
The fans at Zurich Main Station were delighted to see two local pole vault heroes: Nicole Büchler, national record holder and sixth at the 2016 Olympic Games, was eyeing the entry standard for the upcoming world championships in Doha (4.56m). The goal seemed achievable: In her second attempt (after clearing 4.37m in the first), she improved her season’s best to 4.52. The bar was then raised by 10cm, however, and unfortunately, the 35-year-old athlete did not manage to clear 4.62m. Büchler placed eighth.
It was not a successful night for the second Swiss competitor: U23 European champion Angelica Moser suffered three failed attempts at the initial height of 4.37m.
Co-commentators Tim Lobinger& Björn Otto
Once again, the pole vaulters treated commuters, passers-by, and athletics fans to an extraordinary show. The crowd enjoyed watching high-level performances from up close. The presentation teams in the station hall and in front of the TV screen received support from Tim Lobinger and Björn Otto. The 46-year-old Lobinger is the first German to cross the six-metre mark. The 41-j?hrige Otto holds the national record with 6,01 m in the neighboring country.
A number of athletics stars were in the crowd of the pole vault show in the city centre, including pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie and Sam Kendricks, who will both compete at Letzigrund Stadium on Thursday night, and Sebastian Coe. The British middle-distance legend serves as President of the International Association of Athletics Federations IAAF.
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