Pole Vaulting II (c. 1900)

This lantern slide, “Pole Vaulting II (c. 1900),” shows a pole-vaulter practicing on the International YMCA Training School (now known as Springfield College) campus. The vaulter almost looks like he is diving over the cross pole, but he has actually just released from pole and is going down for a landing.Pole vaulting is a track and field event where the athlete uses a long, flexible pole as an aid to clear a crossbar supported on two uprights (standards) without knocking it down. Ancient Greeks, Cretans, and Celts all held pole jumping competitions, and it has been a full medal event at the Olympic Games since 1896 for men and 2000 for women. Physical attributes such as speed, agility and strength are essential to pole vaulting effectively, but technical skill is an equally if not more important element. The International YMCA Training School curriculum included sport skill instruction on the high jump, long jump, pole vault, discus, javelin, shot put, football, swimming, lawn tennis, baseball, basketball, rowing, and volleyball.Glass plates are separating