American Katie Moon etched her name into history on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to win three consecutive world titles in the pole vault.
The Olympic champion cleared a season’s best of 4.90m to edge past compatriot Sandi Morris in a dramatic final at the Japan National Stadium.
All-American duel lights up final
From the early stages, the contest looked destined to be between Moon and Morris. Both soared over the first three heights on their opening attempts, leaving the rest of the field behind.
Morris briefly pulled ahead by clearing 4.85m at her first try, but Moon responded with a decisive clearance at 4.90m on her last attempt. Morris missed her final jump at 4.95m and had to settle for her fourth silver medal on the world stage.
Bronze for Sutej, Kennedy ruled out
Slovenia’s Tina Sutej clinched bronze with a clearance of 4.80m, while the field missed the presence of Australia’s reigning Olympic champion Nina Kennedy, who withdrew due to a leg injury.
“The older you get, the harder it gets”
For Moon, 34, the achievement carried extra significance.
“It was incredible, such a battle,” she said. “I knew I had to clear 4.90m to win. All my medals are special, but this one is the one. The older you get, the harder it gets.”
Moon even had a shot at Yelena Isinbayeva’s championship record of 5.01m but passed on her final attempt, choosing instead to celebrate her landmark victory.
With this triumph, Moon confirmed her place among the all-time greats of pole vaulting, extending America’s dominance in the event.
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