Infinite Limits

Analogy of Exactitude

          Pole vaulting is an athletic field event in which a person uses a long, flexible pole, which today is usually made of fiberglass, as an aid to leap over a bar. The approach consists of the vaulter sprinting down the runway in such a way as to achieve maximum speed and correct take-off position upon reaching the pit. The pole is usually carried upright at the beginning of the approach, and then gradually lowered as the vaulter gets closer to the pit. By doing this the vaulter can use the potential energy stored from carrying the pole upright to their advantage. Next, the vaulter must use the extension of their hips upward and legs as the shoulders are pushed downward, causing the vaulter to be positioned upside down. The turn is executed immediately after or even during the end of the extension. As the name implies, the vaulter turns 180° toward the pole while extending the arms down past the head and shoulders.

          As you can see, many different aspects must be taken into consideration to pole vault correctly and safely. Pole vaulting is even more detailed than explained above and takes every part of your body and mind to complete the jump and make the height. There are endless amounts of things that go into pole vaulting and only after years of practice can a vaulter get a grip on each position. Still, vaulting is a sport that requires so many exact movements and really can never perfectly be done each time. The process of pole vaulting idealizes exactitude in that it evokes the idea of the endless because it takes nonstop amounts of time and precision to do.