Katie Moon etched her name into athletics history on Wednesday, becoming the first woman to win three successive world championship pole vault titles. The 34-year-old American soared to gold in Tokyo with a season-best leap of 4.90m in a nail-biting final.
What Happened
Moon, who previously claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, delivered once again on Japanese soil. In a thrilling duel with compatriot Sandi Morris, she cleared 4.90m on her final attempt to secure victory. Morris, a silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, settled for second with 4.85m, while Slovenia’s Tina Šutej clinched bronze at 4.80m.
The final unfolded as a head-to-head battle between the two Americans, both clearing the first three heights cleanly up to 4.75m. Morris gained the upper hand with a first-attempt clearance at 4.85m, but Moon responded with her decisive vault at 4.90m. Morris then made two failed attempts at that height and a last-ditch try at 4.95m, leaving her with another silver medal.
Who Is Katie Moon
Moon, at 34, is now the oldest woman ever to win a world championship pole vault title. Already an Olympic champion, she has become one of the most consistent and decorated athletes in her discipline. Her resilience and ability to perform under pressure have made her a role model for younger athletes.
Career and Legacy
Moon’s victory adds to her growing legacy as one of the sport’s greats. With three world titles and an Olympic gold, she continues to push boundaries in women’s pole vault. While she admitted competing at the highest level is becoming more difficult with age, she has expressed ambitions of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which would mark a special homecoming.
“They’re all special, but I think the older you get, it gets harder,” Moon said after her win. “So to be able to come in here and not just win but to jump 4.90m—I don’t know how many years of that I’ve got in me.”
Public and Social Media Reactions
Fans, fellow athletes, and sports commentators flooded social media with congratulations, celebrating Moon’s historic achievement. Many praised not only her athletic ability but also her perseverance and composure under pressure. The U.S. athletics community hailed her as an inspiration for the next generation.
What Happens Next
While Moon briefly attempted 5.01m—aiming for the championship record set by Yelena Isinbayeva in 2005—she chose to run through and instead savor the moment of her historic third title. Morris, despite her bittersweet silver, expressed gratitude for her journey back from injuries, emphasizing the value of resilience.
With Paris 2024 already in the books and eyes turning toward Los Angeles 2028, Moon’s victory cements her as the standard-bearer in women’s pole vault.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
