New Taiwanese Record - Hsieh Chia-han 5.31m

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http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_ ... 1109300043


Physical education major breaks national pole vault record
2011/09/30 22:56:24
Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) Physical education major Hsieh Chia-han on Friday set a new Taiwanese record in the pole vault that had stood for 21 years, clearing a height of 5.31 meters.

Hsieh, a student at National Taiwan College of Physical Education, broke the record by 1 centimeter at a national-level track and field meet for college students.

He started by successfully clearing a height of 4.90 m and clinched victory in the event when he hit a vault of 5.11 m.

After clearing 5.22 m on his third and final try, he moved the bar to 5.31 m and set the record on his second try.

"I'm really glad. I've wanted to break the record for at least two years," Hsieh said with excitement after the tournament.

The previous record of 5.30 m was set by former decathlete Lee Fu-en in 1990 and represented Taiwan's sixth longest-standing track and field mark.

Hsieh could not remember how many times he had challenged the local record.

"Every time I just barely fell short. It wasn't because I wasn't in good shape. It was simply that I would just miss the record," he said of his previous attempts.

Hsieh now has his eyes on the National Games in October in Changhua to see if he can better the record he just set.

"I wouldn't say that I can clear 5.40 m, but I probably have the chance to go above 5.35 m. What I'm pursuing is to go beyond what I have achieved and find the motivation to keep going."

Though Hsieh set the national record, he is still far short of the 5.60 m height he would need to clear if he wants to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. He admitted that to push higher, he would need to improve his speed and strengthen his upper body.