World Athletics Championships: Kiwi pole vaulters finish out of the medals in Tokyo

The New Zealand women’s pole vaulting trio of Olivia McTaggart, Imogen Ayris and Eliza McCartney have finished beyond the podium at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

McTaggart was eighth after soaring over 4.65m while Ayris finished in 10th after clearing 4.45m. McCartney failed to register a mark.

American Katie Moon won a third consecutive title.

Moon, also the Olympic champion in Tokyo in 2021, cleared 4.90m for gold, with US teammate Sandi Morris taking silver with a best of 4.85m.

It was a fourth world outdoor silver medal for Morris, a two-time world indoor champion.

Slovenia’s Tina Sutej claimed bronze with 4.80m.

Reigning Olympic champion Nina Kennedy of Australia did not travel to Japan, having pulled out with a strained leg muscle following hamstring surgery.

Kiwi triple jumper Ethan Olivier failed to qualify for the final with a best effort of 16.60m leaving him in 16th place, with the top 12 advancing.