A: Modern poles are made by layering carbon fiber and fiberglass composite materials. Both materials have high tensile strength (prevents the pole from snapping), and reasonable tolerance to compression (absorbs the shock from planting). Additionally, both have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which is good because it would really not be fun to have to sprint down the runway with a heavy pole! However, poles weren't always so "high tech", and were originally made from wood, bamboo, or metal. In fact, how did pole vaulting get started? I mean, the throwing field events make sense to me in terms of ties back to ancient times, as do high jump and long jump... but who came up with pole vault? I mean, I guess people just wanted to keep jumping higher, and there is only so much you can do un-aided, but why not jump off a spring board or something? Apparently, pole vaulting has its roots in warriors needing to get over walls and such... a useful skill I guess! The first pole vaulting competitions were held at the Irish Tailteann Games, where the poles were made from tree limbs. I would have loved to see that! And, for anyone who really cares, this article has way more information than you ever wanted to know about pole vaulting poles.
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