Pole vaulting is a high-flying, risk-taking, adrenaline-pumping event. Last year I started track and field in the spring and I wasn't sure at first if I should do it because I never liked running. I later realized that athletics was not just about running, but also about field events. As soon as I realized this, I immediately knew I wanted to pole vault. I'm glad I did, because if I hadn't, I would never have had the opportunity to pole vault. I remember very clearly the first day I pole vaulted and I loved it. Now that I've been doing this event for a year, it's a lot more frustrating not to clear a height than it was at the beginning. I have made many friends along the way and feel lucky to be able to participate in this event. This topic interests me because although I don't plan to become an Olympic pole vaulter, I would like to learn more about the event at the Olympic level. I also plan to use this information to help me succeed at the high school level. Since I pole vault, I know the basics. The technique involves taking a certain number of steps and slowly lowering the pole as you approach the pit. Once at the pit, the upper arm should be locked and the lower arm should be slightly bent. The right leg rises perpendicular to the left and the body rises toward the right side of the pole. To be honest, when I pole vault, I don't think about technique. I find it easier and more beneficial for me to let my body and subconscious mind do the work. Each vaulter is allowed three attempts to clear each height. The last person standing is the winner. At the end of my research, I want to know how to become a successful Olympic pole vaulter? The first source I found was an online article titled "What is Olymp...... middle of paper...... come with more success in the event." I knew from the start that this topic would be a great fit for me because of how much I could relate to it and how it would help me in the long run. Works CitedCarr, Gerry. "Pole vault." Fundamentals of athletics. Champaign, IL: Human hhjhhjKinetics, 1999. 170-97. Print.Erwin, Jim. Email interview. March 1, 2011. “HowStuffWorks “How Pole Vault Works”” Howstuffworks “Entertainment” Web. hhjhhjFebruary 05, 2011.Rosenbaum, Mike. “Jenn Stuczynski: Profile of Olympic Pole Vaulter Jenn Stuczynski.” hhjhhjAthletics. Internet. February 13, 2011. Rosenbaum, Mike. “Olympic Pole Vault Basics.” Athletics. Internet. February 4, 2011. Rosenbaum, Mike. “Your Path to the Olympic Team: How to Become an Olympic Track and Field Athlete.” Athletics. Internet. February 13. 2011.