Ayris vaults to bronze medal

Two New Zealanders, Imogen Ayris and Olivia McTaggart, found themselves jostling for the bronze medal in the women’s pole vault on the opening day of athletics in Alexander Stadium.

 Ayris and McTaggart moved through the heights until at 4.45m Ayris got over at first attempt and McTaggart at third attempt.

Those two failed attempts at 4.45m proved crucial because with Australian Nina Kennedy clearing 4.60, and Englishwoman Molly Caudery not missing at any height until 4.50m, the New Zealanders were left eyeing the bronze.

There was a touching moment after McTaggart missed her final attempt at 4.50m, thereby consigning herself to fourth place. She immediately went across and hugged her team-mate warmly in congratulations.

“It’s hard when it comes down to a teammate missing a height, and Livvy jumped so well today,” said Ayris. “But you can’t ignore the fact that you’ve just snuck in there for a medal, so that part of it feels awesome.” 

Ayris said she felt confident throughout the competition, even when she gave the bar a solid rattle in clearing 4.45m. “It’s always unnerving when you hit the bar, but I never thought it was coming down.

 “I came into the meeting very confident after a great two weeks of training behind me [after the world champs in Oregon, where she no-heighted at 4.20m]. I knew what my job was out there and I did it.”

McTaggart was philosophical afterwards. “Fourth on countback. It does hurt, and I've never understood the fourth heartbreak until now, but it's just another chip in my story and another thing to ignite that fire for the next competition.”