The University of Akron Athletics
Barber Advances to Olympic Pole Vault Final
August 13 | Track & Field
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OFFICIAL POLE VAULT RESULTS (8/13/16)
photo courtesy of Laci Perenyi / Athletics Canada
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – In his Olympic debut, former Akron All-American and reigning IAAF World Champion Shawn Barber overcame some early adversity to secure a berth in the men's pole vault final on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the XXXI Summer Olympics.
Barber was one of 10 vaulters to surpass 18-8.25 (5.70m) and move into the final on Monday, Aug. 15, at 7:35 p.m. ET.
"I think I gave myself a heart attack, just trying to keep everyone on their toes (clearly joking)," said Barber. "I'm going to take everything away from today and be ready to go on Monday."
"What a tough preliminary," Akron head coach Dennis Mitchell commented. "Like Clayton before him, we were in for a scare. That third attempt was a heart-stopper at his opening bar. However, Shawn regrouped and came back to do what he needed to do to get to the next round. Now it starts all over on Monday. It will be an exciting day for the Zips on Monday."
Barber opened his competition at 17-10.50 (5.45m) and took all three of his attempts at the height before clearing the bar on his third and final run at the mark.
He then eclipsed 18-4.50 (5.60m) on his first attempt at the height.
Barber was unable to better 18-8.25 (5.70m) on his initial attempt at what proved to be the qualifying height to advance to the medal round. He surpassed the mark on his second attempt to move onto Monday's final.
TELEVISION/STREAMING SCHEDULE
**Rio is located one hour ahead of the Eastern time zone, with this in mind, many of the over-the-air broadcasts on the NBC family of networks may be shown on a tape-delay basis**
***The streams of events are expected to be live, although this is not guaranteed***
****Television coverage subject to change, click here for streaming page****
MONDAY, AUG. 15
Men's Pole Vault Final (7:35 PM ET)
Television – NBC
Stream – Click Here
Men's 800-Meter Final (9:25 PM ET)
Television – NBC
Stream – Click Here
TUESDAY, AUG. 16
Women's Pole Vault Qualifying (8:45 AM ET)
Television – NBCSN
Stream – Click Here (Group A)
Click Here (Group B)Â
FRIDAY, AUG. 19
Women's Pole Vault Final (7:30 PM ET)
Television – NBC
Stream – Click Here
