Shawnacy Barber, 2016 World Champion, and 6-meter vaulter currently holds the world record for the highest handgrip on the longest vaulting pole ever made (5.52 meters). This paper is a short introduction to the Barber Model of pole vaulting.

It has become apparent that the term “free take-off” has been hijacked and associated with the wrong biomechanical action. I would like to propose we revisit this term and better define what it means.

In an ideal world, pole vaulters would be able to step on a runway, raise their pole, and begin their approach on autopilot - building speed slowly, confident in their steps, lowering the pole at the perfect time, and hitting their absolute top speed at take-off.