Kelsie Hendry Article

[rainbowgirl28]

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/CIS/2005/03/11/957462.html

Kelsie Hendry had no idea an ability to perform an aerial cartwheel or a front handspring could help her transform into one of the top pole vaulters in the country.

But here Hendry is at the Max Bell fieldhouse, ready for her fifth and final appearance at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship, a mere five years after taking up the sport.

"I was too tall to be a gymnast, but I could sort of run," said Hendry, 22, who yesterday became the first female to be named CIS field athlete of the year for the third consecutive season. "I had been to nationals (as a gymnast) but didn't compete much internationally. I like beam, but floor was the best. I really enjoyed the artistic part, the dance part."

One of Hendry's friends, who had made the switch from gymnastics to pole vault, got a scholarship to Washington State and was always encouraging her to give it a shot. Hendry, a product of Saskatoon, finally did and the rest is history.

"I did it for a couple of months and made it to junior nationals," said Hendry, who is competing for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. "I thought 'this sport is for me.' In my first year at CIS, I was third and the team won. This sport is awesome."

Hendry has had plenty of success in pole vault. She's won five consecutive conference championships and set a new Canada West record every time.

Ending her collegiate career as a champion is important, but Hendry's days as a pole vaulter are merely beginning. Although she fell short of the Olympic standard for Athens last summer, Hendry has her sights set on being in Beijing, China in 2008.

"Because I started when I was older, every year I've improved a little bit," said Hendry, the Canadian indoor pole vault record holder at 4.38m. "I haven't hit my peak yet and hope I don't for another four years."

The Huskies are the defending CIS women's team champions and Hendry's hoping her teammates give a repeat performance.

"We're a real tight-knit group and we want to do our job," said Hendry. "Last year, we actually won by quite a bit and we're looking for one more this year."

[Powervaulter]

Kelsie is a very talented athlete, and she's lucky to be working with a fantastic group in Saskatchewan. I'm looking forward to seeing her continue to improve, and I'm sure it won't be long before she's competitive internationally. Plus, she's a great gal!