There is no better setting than a major championships to improve your lifetime best and this is what Leni Freyja Wildgrube did at the IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi last year when she cleared 4.15m to win a silver medal in the pole vault.
One year on, and one year older, Wildgrube has since improved her lifetime best to a world U18 leading mark of 4.20m and the 16-year-old is looking to improve further at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Gyor, Hungary from 5-8 July.
When did you start athletics and how did you get into the pole vault?
I started training at 9 years old in a little athletics club. When I was 12 I changed my school and there I started practising pole vault. The advantage I had was that I’ve practised gymnastics before which is important for pole vault.
What is your favourite thing about the pole vault?
My favourite thing about the pole vault is that you have to be very versatile. It is not only about jumping: it is running, jumping, gymnastics, strength – you have to practise a lot of different things.
If you weren’t a pole vaulter, which event would you compete in and why?
I think I would compete in the hurdles. I like running hurdles and I don’t think I’m bad at it. During the indoor season, I was actually second in the German U20 Championships in the 60m hurdles.
What are your favourite and least favourite training sessions?
My favourite training sessions are the technical sessions when I'm jumping. It’s a lot of fun and in these sessions I can see my progression. I also like doing gymnastics training or running sessions. My least favourite training session are the strength training sessions with dumbbells.
How do you manage to combine sport and studying?
I am a student at the 11th grade in a sports school. At my school it is easy to combine sport and studying. In the morning I have two or three lessons and after that I have training and then lunch. I am at school again until 4pm and in the afternoon I have my second training session so I have a very structured daily routine.
How did it feel to clear 4.20m for the very first time?
It was great! The competition where I jumped 4.20m was a very good one. Jumping a new personal best was proof that I've trained very well and hard the last months. It is also a sign that I am ready for the season and new heights.
Who is your sporting hero and why?
I don't really have a sporting hero or an idol. In my opinion all athletes who are practising their sports with fun, ambition and in a fair way are great athletes and can reach something big.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far?
There are a lot of people who have affected my career. A big influence has been my coach Toralf Neumann but also my family, friends, other coaches - and my training partners - are very important.
What is the proudest sporting achievement of your career so far?
Of course, that was my second place at the World U18 Championships in Nairobi last year.
What are your expectations at the European Athletics U18 Championships?
I hope it will be as great as the World Championships last year! I want to have a good competition and a lot of fun with my team. My aim is to win the gold medal at the European Athletics U18 Championships.
Away from athletics, what are your hobbies?
I like playing football, volleyball or other sports or meeting my friends.
What music are you listening to at the moment, and what is your favourite workout track?
I listen to pop music. But I do not have any favourite workout track. Mostly I do not listen to music during training.
What was the last film you watched?
The last film I watched was Sherlock Holmes.
How can fans follow you on social media?
On my Instagram profile leenii.w.