30 competitors from 20 nations. First time held in Olympic Games.
Qualifiying A Standard: 4.30m Qualifiying B Standard: 4.20m
Dragila had the top seven marks of the season prior to Sydney, and was a clear favourite, particularly as Emma George, Australia’s best homegrown talent – and the woman first to clear 4.60 – was battling injury.
George failed to qualify, as did all three Russians.
In the final the first surprise came when Balakhonova, Europe’s best, failed to clear her opening height (4.25). As the bar was raised to 4.55 there were five athletes remaining, with Flosadóttir leading from
Bártová, Grigorieva, Dragila and Humbert. Only the lissom Grigorieva could clear at the first attempt, and Dragila (on her second jump) was the only one able to emulate the Russian-Australian. Dragila promptly soared over 4.60 – good enough for the gold medal.
United States
Australia
Iceland
Czechia
Germany
Poland
Denmark
Austria
China
Ukraine
South Africa
France
Argentina
Great Britain
Russia
Hungary
Bulgaria
Spain
Uruguay
Greece
