Hana Moll soars above the rest at Weltklasse Zürich at Main Station
The world’s best pole vaulters brought the crowd at Weltklasse Zürich at Main Station to its feet. Winner Hana Moll (USA) and home favourite Angelica Moser in second place provided the perfect prelude to Thursday’s stadium show at Letzigrund Stadium. (Photo: Chiara Montesano for Diamond League AG)
Run up, take off and send the arena at Zurich Main Station into a frenzy – that was the entertainment formula of the world’s best high-flyers. Their acrobatic skills provided the fans with a spectacular show almost five metres above the ground. The more than 3 000 spectators in the completely sold-out grandstand and free standing area responded with thunderous applause, ecstatic cheers and unwavering support.
The youngest in the field flies highest
The competition at Zurich’s bustling commuter hub could hardly have been stronger. Proof of that came in the form of a piece of history: this was only the fourth pole vault competition ever in which six women cleared 4.75 m.
The athlete of the moment is Hana Moll (USA). After stunning the field with victory at Athletissima Lausanne, she followed it up at the second Swiss Wanda Diamond League meeting. The youngest athlete in the field was the only one to clear 4.90 m. With a personal best and a second major victory in a row, the 21-year-old 2022 world U20 champion has firmly established herself among the world elite.
She told the crowd that it was «pretty incredible» to propel herself to such heights and that she intends to finish the year just as strongly. If that is not a statement to the established stars of the event!
Ten attempts, one long-awaited podium
It was incredible every time home favourite Angelica Moser began her run-up, too. Incredibly loud, that is. The LC Zürich athlete celebrated a milestone this year, pinning on her Weltklasse Zürich bib for the tenth time. Finishing second and reaching the podium for the first time was a fitting addition to an already highly successful season, which has included a Diamond League victory and European Championship gold.
The crowd erupted once again when her clearance of 4.85 m also produced a Swiss indoor record. Moser had previously shared the record of 4.80 m with her former coach and fellow LC Zürich athlete Nicole Büchler. She came within three centimetres of an outright personal best, narrowly missing 4.90 m on all three attempts.
It was only fitting that the 28-year-old from Andelfingen was given a standing ovation as she left the arena. She had plenty of praise for the crowd in return.
«The incredible noise is such a huge motivation for us athletes. To finish it off with a Swiss indoor record is amazing. Finally, I’ve made it onto the podium at home.»
World champion Katie Moon and 5 m vaulter Sandi Morris (both USA), two of the leading contenders for victory, shared third place after clearing 4.75 m.
