Horsham’s Allie Riches, a Temple University pole vaulter, is headed to the Penn Relays with high expectations and several new records under her belt, reported Cayden Steele for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
This year, Riches captured both the indoor and outdoor program pole vault records at Temple, where she is currently the only pole vaulter.
“She’s really just dedicated and loves the sport,” said field coach Kevin Kelly. “She will do anything and everything in her ability. She’s got a journal. She writes down every practice, every workout, everything that we do.”
The athlete always tries to find an advantage that will ensure her success, especially when she runs into obstacles. This includes not being able to gauge the wind during competitions at Penn, as it circulates inside Franklin Field. To counter this she now blocks out the sound of wind by plugging her ears with tissue paper, which allows her to remain focused.
“I’ve got to make sure that it’s more mentally that I am there, rather than physically because I know physically [that] I will be able to compete,” said Riches.
Read more about Allie Riches in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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For readers brave enough to give this sport a try, here’s a primer on pole vaulting.
