February

High Way Robbery
A.B.V. 4.5%

In March 1962, John Uelses, a 24 year old American Marine Corporal, broke the pole vault 16' barrier for the first time with a height of 16' 1/4" at the Millrose games.

The record had to be verified by measuring the crossbar height both before and after the leap. However in the ensuing melee someone nudged an upright, dislodging the bar before the second measurement could be taken and the record could not stand.

While all this was happening someone stole $120 from John's bag in the dressing room. Undeterred our hero vaulted a verified 16' 1" the following evening in Boston.

Hops used are Chinook and Challenger.