Reigning World Indoor Champion Looks to Build on 2016 Success

By Scott Bush

While the Olympic Games didn't turn out the way she had hoped, Jenn Suhr had one amazing 2016. Suhr, 34, broke the world indoor pole vault record with her 5.03m (16-6), leaving her 1.25 inches from the overall world record, while winning the IAAF World Indoor Championship title. 

Suhr looked good outdoors, too, winning the U.S. Olympic Trials contest. However, in Rio, Suhr came down with a severe illness and wasn't able to perform at her peak level. 

With some redeption in mind, Suhr will take to the runway at the Akron Pole Vault Convention, January 6-8. She tweeted earlier this week that she'll compete on January 7, then speak at a training session on January 8.

In 2016, reigning Olympic gold medalist Katerina Stefanidi won the women's contest, while reigning world champion Shawn Barber won the men's.