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Associated Press (3/29/03)

- Kaufring, Germany

American Pole Vautler Breaks 6M Mark for World Leading Jump

American Pole Vaulter Jason Hinkin eclipsed the 6m mark in the annual Spring Festival Meeting in Kaufring, Germany today. This mark made Hinkin only the second American over 6m with Jeff Hartwig (1998).

When asked how he felt about the results Hinkin answered, " I have no idea how that happened, I was looking for a 5.50 (meter) mark and no more. This was my first meet in years, it will take a while to soak in.".

Hinkin, who said he has been "secretly" training in San Diego, CA for the past two years, credits part of his success to an experimental pole he has been testing since 2001.

"The Laerton Company approached me at the end of 2001 asking if I would help them test a kevlar composite vaulting pole. Of course I had to jump at the chance, no pun intended" Hinkin said.

Two years and many poles later, Laerton seems to have gotten it right. "These poles make it so easy to jump high."

This mark is the number one mark in the world this year so far and a personal best by 30cm.

I guess being able to bench press 400 pounds has really made a difference for him!

Heard that they have really stubbled onto something with the poles - real radical - kevlar in bottom two feet to protect pole - but the variation of the CYCOM 5276 that allowed them to use spun technology for the layup of the composite fibers gives a pole 20 percent lighter than regular glass and a non-linear energy return spectrum - when you stay inverted it is like a rocket ride - must have been all the extra gymaxtic work he had been doing

HUNGH?

Can you guys send me one?

LAERTON=NOTREAL

Hinkin pulled this s*** a couple of years ago. Sad thing was my dumbass fell for it. I think a bunch of other people did too, so I was not the only one.

1st of April - wierd day - one of the guys we vault with took the hook also - talked about wierd sights - first day outdoors - short runs - PVJunkie picks up a pole - in blue jeans and flats and knocks 16' off with his hairy chest on the way down - Marty was flying - I was humbled