SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit event reaches new heights

The SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit event exceeded all expectations with Olympic bronze medallist Eliza McCartney soaring to a new personal best pole vault of 4.90m, eight centimetres higher than the personal best she set last year.

While it won’t set a new world record due to the gently sloping temporary runway, it didn’t stop McCartney celebrating the milestone moment with roaring crowds.

The SKYCITY Vertical Pursuit transformed the award winning Federal Street dining precinct into a competitive sports space, allowing the public to watch world class pole vault at closer range than ever before.

A total of 6 elite athletes launched themselves to new heights in the women’s and men’s competition, enjoying the loud, vibrant atmosphere while facing challenging swirling winds at the base of the Sky Tower.

The free event was the third meeting in the 2018 Athletics NZ International Series of elite competitions held around the country this month.  

Results

Women

1              Eliza McCartney            4.90m

2              Morgann LeLeux         4.35m

3              Imogen Ayris               4.20m

Men

1              Nick Southgate            5.00m

2              James Steyn               4.60m

3              Ettienne DuPreez        4.50m