Youth Development League huge success for Kilmarnock Harriers pole vaulters

Although I cautiously predicted 6 weeks ago that a Kilmarnock Harrier athlete might be ready to compete in the upcoming Youth Development League, I certainly did not suggest that our athletes could actually win their respective competitions. But that’s exactly was happened today, Cara Baillie (U15) and Hannah Bartl (U17), both achieved new personal bests and came on top of their group event.

What is even more remarkable is that newcomer Cara Baillie won her event against stiff competition, beating athletes in her age group from clubs as Pitreavie AC and Edinburgh AC, where the pole vault event has been established for a long time.  Pitreavie, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow are usually the clubs which have developed good vaulters in the past. One reason for their success  could partly be attributed to the fact that these clubs can make use of indoor facilities to train for this event all year round.

Great credit to Cara, who jumped her way to a new PB of 2.00, clearing all heights up to 1.95m in her first attempt. This hopefully will give her more confidence in her own abilities after having  already won the West District Championships.

Hannah Bartl, who had a go at this event already at last year’s Young Athletes League final, where she finished second with a height of  1.80m, followed her club mate Cara with a faultless jump sequence, clearing all heights in her first attempt and achieving a new PB of 1.95m.

The pole vault community is relatively small and it is not uncommon that coaches/athletes help other athletes, who not necessarily belong to their own club.  It was therefore nice to see that the Edinburgh pole vault coach who supported his own athlete also provided advice and support to our Kilmarnock Harriers. Thanks for this, what a nice sportive gesture!

Pole vaulting at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena is now a well established event and two Ayrshire clubs, Ayr Seaforth and Kilmarnock Harriers, taking advantage of the excellent facilities. We even had guest athletes from Glasgow for training sessions coming and joining our group.

Last not least I would like to thank the friendly ground staff from the Ayrshire Athletics Arena, who were always approachable and helpful with regard to setting up the pole vault equipment, enabling us to have lots of practice using the proper uprights and matts.