Pole vault world record holder Renaud Lavillenie made the Silberpfeil Cityjump in Salzburg, Austria, on 4 September a truly special occasion.
He cleared 5.93m at his first attempt to win this spectacular street event. Through his presence he contributed strongly to the support for Austrian pole vaulter Kira Grünberg who was left quadriplegic after a training accident five weeks ago.
Lavillenie rose to a superb level following his bronze medal at the World Championships in Beijing. He even came close to going over at 6.00m but failed on his three tries, but right after the competition he said: “There are more important things than this.” He was referring to the fate of Kira Grünberg.
Watch highlights from the Silberpfeil Cityjump in Salzburg below:
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Germans Michel Frauen (5.50m) and Oleg Zernikel (5.30m) were second and third in Salzburg.
About 5,000 visitors enjoyed the atmosphere at “Kapitelplatz” in the very centre of the city, located between the Salzburg cathedral and the fortress “Hohensalzburg”.
Athletes gave it all – for charity
22-year old Grünberg broke her neck in training and is paralysed from the fifth cervical down. She will not be able to move her feet and arms again, so the doctors told her.
When Lavillenie heard about her condition, he offered his support and agreed to compete in the event without demanding a participation fee. So did the other athletes. Organisers were able to raise over 18,000 EUR for Kira Grünberg and her family, coming from the athletes’ budget and donations by the visitors.
“I am very proud to have dedicated this competition to Kira. I hope this will give her strength to fight and continue to grow as she does,” Lavillenie said.
“It’s amazing, that a world class athlete really gives it all, even if no money is involved. This shows his great commitment and personality”, said meeting director Karin Walkner.
Renaud Lavillenie visited Kira Grünberg on Thursday, the day before the competition, at the rehabilitation facility in Bad Häring and was taken away by her strong will and state of mind.
“Kira is a fascinating strong woman. She is very focused and looks to improve day after day”, he said.
She was a finalist at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich 2014, fourth at the World Junior Championships in Barcelona 2012 and fourth at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Tallinn two months ago.
Here she is competing at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich 2014:
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