How Pole Vault Passes and Elimination Work Explainer
A pole vaulter may begin at any announced height and may pass a height entirely. After entering the competition, the athlete can also pass a remaining attempt at one height and continue at the next. A pass does not erase failures already recorded.
Elimination occurs after three consecutive failed trials, whether those failures happen at one height or across multiple heights. For example, an athlete who misses twice, passes the third attempt, and then misses once at the next height has accumulated three consecutive failures and is out.
A successful clearance breaks the sequence of failures. Officials then record the athlete as eligible at the next chosen height. If a pole breaks during a genuine attempt, the event treats it as equipment failure rather than a failed trial, and the athlete receives a replacement attempt.
Passing is strategic because it can conserve energy or move directly to a height needed to win, but it also reduces margin for error. Tie-breaks first compare failures at the last cleared height, then total failures in the competition. Athletes balance placement, fatigue, and remaining attempts before each pass.
Yes. An athlete may pass a height and enter at a later one.
No. Three consecutive failures across one or more heights eliminate the athlete.
No. A genuine pole break is treated as equipment failure and the athlete receives a replacement trial.
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