http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sp ... ticle.htmlDennison upbeat as medal bid falls short
FRUSTRATING DAY: Kate Dennison competing in the Women's Pole Vault Final in Barcelona.
ALSAGER pole vaulter Kate Dennison saw her major international medal drought continue at the European Championships, but insists it will end one day.
The 26-year-old travelled to Barcelona confident she could climb the podium having failed to every year since making her senior debut at the Commonwealth Games, in 2006.
Dennison looked good early on in the final, clearing 4.25m, 4.35m and 4.45m at the first attempt before stumbling as the height was raised to 4.55m.
The Alsager pole vaulter hit that mark second time around but met her match at 4.65m, failing to pass the height after three attempts and finishing sixth overall.
Had Dennison managed to clear 4.65m she would have set a new lifetime best however she is adamant a major international medal isn't far away.
"I am happy with my performance, because they were the best shots I have ever had to clear 4.65m," said Dennison.
"It's so frustrating. I was so close to 4.65m but I don't suppose it was supposed to happen.
"I thought I had cleared it on the last attempt and then my elbow got in the way.
"Unfortunately the pole vault gods weren't smiling on me and I just couldn't get over, but I am sure that it will come soon.
"It has been a really tough competition, but I feel I am good and I feel like I am progressing and that I have performed well."
Russia's Svetlana Feofanova climbed the podium after being the only athlete to clear 4.75m while German duo Silke Spiegelburg and Lisa Ryzih took silver and bronze respectively.
Dennison, who finished 15th at the European Championships in Gothenburg four years ago, will now switch her attentions to October's Commonwealth Games, in Delhi.
And having come home seventh on that debut, also four years ago in Melbourne, Dennison insists if there is any major competition where she can win a medal it is the Commonwealths.
"I'll do another couple of competitions now and I am sure the 4.65m mark will come and then I have the Commonwealths to work to as well," she added.
"I feel like I am peaking at the right time so hopefully a personal best will come in the next week or so."
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