Court in pole position as he earns win as leading athlete of the month

CALLUM Court's decision to focus on the pole vault is paying off in more ways than he expected.

A big personal best in the Avon Athletics Network open meeting at Bath was an encouraging way to end 2011, while the unexpected revelation that his success had earned him the Easy Runner athlete of the month prize was a great way to mark the start of the new year.

"That's brilliant news," said Court. "I didn't expect that at all, it is a real surprise."

The 18-year-old from Eastville, who competes for Yate & District AC, may be causing a few more surprises this year as he gets to grips with his new event.

"I only took up the pole vault because it is part of the decathlon, so I joined Tim Snowdon's coaching group in Bath," explained Court.

"I only started training with Tim in the autumn, but he has been fantastic and I have improved so quickly.

"I have really enjoyed the event and in the four or five months I have been working on it I have come on leaps and bounds.

"I will still do the multi events, but I now consider the pole vault to be my main event.

"I'll be looking to qualify in that discipline for my final English Schools' Championships."

Court first took up athletics as a student at Fairfield School tackling events as diverse as the 1500m and the shot as a youngster. He joined Yate & District AC and, after initially focussing on the sprints, his all-round ability ensured that he progressed into multi events.

But now it seems like the Redland Green School student has finally found his event and Snowdon believes he has enormous potential.

"Cameron has taken to the pole vault very well," said Snowdon.

"He is fast, strong and co-ordinated and has shown tremendous commitment in travelling over to Bath for training from his home in Bristol three or four times a week.

He also has a tremendous attention to detail which is important in the pole vault. Cameron is still learning the event, but I can see he has potential."

Court admits that the technical requirements of vaulting appeal to him as much as the physical requirements of learning to propel oneself through the air.

"It is a very demanding event and the training is far harder than for other events I have done in the past," added Court.

"I have been doing gymnastics work and weights which is pretty tiring but also a nice relief from the stresses of studying for A-Levels!

"I am really enjoyed it and looking forward to rest of the indoor season and the summer."