question

[yeah579]

I have taken some time off and during that met a coach that has taken me to new heights. I have made much progression in training; in practices I have made heights that would be enough to go to usa outdoor nationals. Since I have yet to compete this year in meets I am thinking of skipping outdoor season this year and just doing some fun meets this summer to get back into the groove of things and opening next indoor season. Would it be best to go over to Europe and compete to make some money to support myself while I continue vaulting or to sign with an agent and hope for the best?

[KirkB]

That's a tough question to answer without knowing what your PR is. And I suppose you don't want to reveal your name, so if you reveal your PR ... AND if you're talented enough to "make some money in Europe" ... then revealing your PR would essentially reveal your name.

I'm going to call BOGUS on you, and say that you're NOT talented enough to make any money in Europe this summer.

I say this on the basis that just jumping high enough to "make US Nationals" isn't sufficient to make money in Europe. And especially since your PR was done in PRACTICE rather than in an official meet.

I suggest you go to US Nationals (if you can ACTUALLY qualify! ) and prove yourself this summer, with some OFFICIAL vaults that will attract the European meet directors.

Same goes for getting an agent. Get the OFFICIAL 19-foot plus (or 5.70 plus or 5.80 plus) vaults FIRST, THEN get the agent.

That's the best way to "get back into the groove of things" (whatever that means!)

The college season is just about over, so it can't be that you're talking about red-shirting. I've never heard of anyone red-shirting the SUMMER season (after NCAA competitions are over).

Maybe this wonderful coach you have can also give you some wonderful career advice ... maybe even line you up with a wonderful agent.

Kirk

[rainbowgirl28]

I have taken some time off and during that met a coach that has taken me to new heights. I have made much progression in training; in practices I have made heights that would be enough to go to usa outdoor nationals. Since I have yet to compete this year in meets I am thinking of skipping outdoor season this year and just doing some fun meets this summer to get back into the groove of things and opening next indoor season. Would it be best to go over to Europe and compete to make some money to support myself while I continue vaulting or to sign with an agent and hope for the best?

You won't get into any meets in Europe without big marks and performances in big meets behind your name. There aren't many agents out there who are any good with vaulters, and none of them will sign you until you have some performances behind your name.

Go hop in some local college meets, qualify for USAs, perform well there, and then maybe an agent will be interested. Maybe.