Vaulters still soar indoors

May 17 2007 By Bill Mcguirk, The Evening Chronicle

The inclement weather at the North East Track and Field Championships turned out to be a blessing for the region's pole-vaulters, and Mark Christie in particular.

With conditions dangerous for vaulting at the International Stadium, the competition was switched to the new indoor facility and the athletes took full advantage of the change of venue, with new records and many personal bests being set.

However, it was Christie who rose to the challenge in a big way.

The former Gateshead Harrier, who now competes for Manchester outfit Sale, soared over a lifetime best of 5:15 metres, and although it will not count as a championship record because it was held indoors, there was no hiding the elation it brought to the 22-year-old Wearsider.

"I'm absolutely delighted to clear 5:15m even though it won't go down in the record books," said Christie.

"It wasn't worth taking the risk to vault outside with the weather being so bad. I could have picked up an injury and that's the last thing I want after what I've been through the past few years.

"For one reason or another I've been stuck at 5:11m for four years but now I feel fit and healthy and looking to vault even higher."

Christie, who is coached by Jamie Scott and Ed Griss for fitness, will be back in action this weekend at the Loughbrough International and he will be hoping that he can repeat last weekend's performance only this time outdoors.

"I have to keep progressing. Next weekend I'll be using longer poles so I should be capable of improving on my outdoor best of 5:11m.

"After clearing 5:15m at my first attempt last Saturday I had a go at 5:11m but wasn't successful. Hopefully I can achieve that height, and maybe more, at Loughbrough."