2027 Pole Vault in Paradise

Since its sun-soaked debut, Key West's Pole Vault in Paradise has drawn an elite crew of athletes who trade traditional runways for tropical vibes. Most recently, Chloe Timberg of Philadelphia Jumps Club claimed the women's title and shattered the island record with a vault of 4.58m, while Sondre Guttormsen of Norway took the men's crown with a record-breaking 5.81m — displacing the previous marks held by Carson Waters. Past competitors include Austin Miller, 2024 USA Indoor Championships bronze medalist, and Anicka Newell, a two-time Canadian Olympian and 2018 national champion. The sandpit has also seen the likes of Jill Marois, a record-setting vaulter and three-time conference champ from High Point University, and Scott Houston and Megan Clark among the Olympic hopefuls who have made the trip to the island. These athletes have helped make Pole Vault in Paradise a high-flying fusion of serious competition and laid-back Key West charm.