Suhr makes history as Olympic pole vault champion sets new world record

Jennifer Suhr has added to her Olympic gold medal by setting a new world record in the women's indoor pole vault event.

Suhr cleared 5.02 metres at the US Indoor Track and Field Championships last night, eclipsing Yelena Isinbayeva's 5.01m record set in February 2012.

The 31-year-old began Saturday's competition by passing on the first eight heights. She cleared 4.55 metres on her first attempt then worked her way up to 4.90 to break the American record and win the competition easily.

Suhr took the world record on her first attempt but, despite three attempts, failed to clear the bar at 5.07 metres.

Despite that, however, she was upbeat about her success at the event in New Mexico.

"I was in a groove tonight," she said afterwards.

"I knew some big things could happen, I just need to be healthy and come down the runway.

"I'm glad that I got 5 metres out of the way, (with the) 5.02, because it is a mental barrier."

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