One of the little known stars of the sporting world is from the Rochester, New York area. Jenn Stuczynski is a top woman’s pole vaulter, and she just broke her own American record.

R News
Roberts Wesleyan grad Jenn Stuczynski broke her own American Record in the women’s pole vault, clearing 16′3/4″ at the Adidas Classic in Carson, California.

Her previous mark of 16′ was set at the same meet last year. Stuczynski missed at three attempts at the World Record of 16′5-1/2″, coming close on her third attempt.

Stuczynski was an NAIA All-American in basketball and track & field at Roberts Wesleyan before learning the pole vault from coach Rick Suhr, who runs a pole vault school.

The reigning indoor and outdoor National Champion, Stuczynski missed the end of last year’s outdoor season with an Achillies Tendon injury but was back as the best vaulter in the U.S. by February.

Her next meet is May 31 at the Reebok Grand Prix outside New York City. The women’s pole vault is on the last day of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team, July 6th in Eugene, Oregon.

I ran track in high school, low those many years ago. I never could figure out the pole vault, just as well. Yet another event to be bad at.

This woman is a phenom. She ought to be on everyone’s lips just like the golfers or the WNBA. She competes against others but also against herself with every vault.

Jenn Stuczynski page at US Track and Field site