Hartwig Sets U.S. Pole Vault Mark

JONESBORO, Ark. — Former Olympian Jeff Hartwig broke the American pole vault record for the fourth time when he cleared 19 feet, 9 1/2 inches on Wednesday at the Dia de Solto meet.

Hartwig, a 1996 Olympian and hopeful for the 2000 Games, went 19-9 1/2 on his first attempt in the meet sponsored by Bell Athletics. He failed three times at 20 feet.

Hartwig, 32, owns both the indoor and outdoor American record. His jump on Wednesday bettered the record of 19-9 he set last June 27 in Eugene, Ore. He broke the U.S. outdoor record for the first time in 1997, when he jumped 19-8 1/4 in France. The world record is 20-1 3/4, held by Sergei Bubka.

On Wednesday, Hartwig entered the competition at 18-6 1/2 and cleared that height on his second attempt. He made 19-0 1/2 on his second try and 19-5 3/4 on his second vault before clearing the record height.

The U.S. Olympic trials are July 14-23 in Sacramento.