Latvian Jumper Walter kreis Sets New National Record
Walter Kreis, a rising star in Latvian athletics, etched his name into the record books last weekend, shattering the national pole vault record. His leap of 5.82 meters, achieved on his second attempt, surpassed the previous mark set in 1987 by two centimeters. This impressive feat also improved his Latvian U23 record by a important ten centimeters.
A Historic Moment
Kreis’s triumph was more than just a record-breaking performance; it was a culmination of hard work and dedication. He spoke of the immense satisfaction of achieving a long-term goal, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. “It was an vital and great goal for me, as well as my coach Marek [Ārentam],” he reflected. “It’s a great pleasure that one of those big goals has been fulfilled, but of course, nothing is over.”
The Road to Success
Kreis’s journey to this record-breaking moment wasn’t without it’s challenges. He acknowledged that his run-up was a previous weakness, a point he meticulously addressed with his coach. “We worked a lot on the run,” he revealed. “In the first race of this season in Estonia, everything was fine when I jumped 5.60 meters, but then I had something to do with it again and the next start was mediocre.” His dedication to improvement is evident in his meticulous analysis of his performance.
A Calculated Risk
The final jump, a leap of 5.82 meters, was a calculated risk. “I touched the bar a bit with the side, but the height of the hips was pretty good for me,” he explained. “It seemed safe because I thought this would be the right leap before the attempt.” His inner feeling proved correct.
Future Goals
Kreis’s ambitions extend beyond this remarkable achievement. He has already qualified for the World Cup in Tokyo and is targeting gold at the U23 European Championship. His focus is unwavering, and his future in the sport looks shining. “The World Cup in Tokyo, which I have just officially fulfilled the norm. There is also the U23 European Championship, where I have to go to gold unequivocally.”
Key Takeaways
Walter Kreis set a new latvian national pole vault record at 5.82 meters.
The previous record stood for 36 years.
Kreis also improved his Latvian U23 record by 10 centimeters.
His focus on improving his run-up was crucial to his success.
* He has already qualified for the World Cup in Tokyo and is targeting gold at the U23 European Championship.
Related reading