Sports
Pole Vaulting Mechanics
Quick fact
The world record in pole vaulting (6.23 m) is over twice the height of an average vaulter, achieved by converting about 80% of the runner's kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy.
Why this is interesting
A pole vaulter can launch themselves over a bar nearly twice their height. How does a simple carbon fiber pole turn a fast sprint into such an incredible leap?