Steve Lewis breaks British record

Steve Lewis broke the British record last night in Poland with a stunning vault of 5.82.

The previous record held by Nick Buckfield of 5.80 had stood for 14 years. Steve was vaulting well clearing 5.72 at the first attempt before the 5.82 vault at the 58th Memorial Janusza Kusocińskiego in Szcecin.

“I have been ready to jump high for the last couple of weeks and finding a competition with good conditions has been tough,” said Steve. “Last night was not great winds but dry so I took the opportunity to test my London pole selection, turns out its pretty good!”

“Jumping 5.82m has been a goal of mine for 4 years, to achieve it in my last competition before the Olympic Games is amazing. I am excited to join all my team mates now in Portugal and start preparing for the games. Its going to be a big 3 weeks physically, mentally and emotionally. I can’t wait!”

The height won Steve the competition, was a new personal best and a British record to boot! The indoor record also held by Buckfield was 5.81 set 10 years ago, so this has also been surpassed. The full results can be seen below.

Steve now heads off to Portugal with his training group to prepare for the Olympic games in London. The Men’s Pole Vault competition qualifying takes place on 8th August 2012 in the Olympic Stadium.

Men’s Pole Vault results:
1 LEWIS Steven (GREAT BRITAIN) 5.82 PB
2 WALKER Brad (USA) 5.72
3 HOOKER Steve (AUSTRALIA) 5.72 SB
4 CZERWIŃSKI Przemysław (POLAND) 5.62 SB
5 MICHALSKI Łukasz (POLAND) 5.62
6 JENG Alhaji (SWEDEN) 5.52
7 HOLLIS Mark (USA) 5.52
8 DILLA Karsten (GERMANY) 5.42
8 WOJCIECHOWSKI Paweł (POLAND) 5.42
10 STRAUB Alexander (GERMANY) 5.22
10 SOBERA Robert (POLAND) 5.22
MOHR Malte (GERMANY) NM
LAVILLENIE Renaud (FRANCE) NM