How does a pole vault pit help manage the forces created when an athlete lands from height?

In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham explains the design considerations and safety-focused evaluations behind modern pole vault landing systems.

The conversation covers:

• Why foam is the heart of the landing system

• The balance between comfortable landings and preventing bottoming out

• Landing-surface consistency across multiple pit sections

• Seam, gap, top pad, and attachment-system design

• Why vinyl construction and weather protection affect long-term performance

• The difference between meeting minimum requirements and maintaining a safe facility

• Why regular inspection, repair, installation, and storage matter after the pit arrives

A landing system’s original design matters—but its condition over time matters just as much.

The full article, “How Are Pole Vault Pits Tested for Safety?” is available through Gill Athletics and Mike Cunningham’s LinkedIn article series.

Coach Tizzo Johnson led a discussion with his own kids, Khamani, a collegiate thrower for NC Central where he is the MEAC silver medalist in the Hammer, and Zoey, a youth thrower who was the 13-year-old Discus Champion at Club Nationals. In this episode, the young throwers talk about their experiences, motivations, and advice for other throwers, offering many useful insights for coaches. Tizzo is the founder of UglyThrowsOnly.com an innovative new apparel company for throwers and their supporters. He shares how his coaching cues led to that catchy company name. Listen, learn, and enjoy!

If you have a topic to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more.