Pole vaulting is one of the most technical and thrilling events in track and field, requiring a combination of speed, timing, explosive strength, and fearless execution. Over the years, women have redefined the boundaries of this high-flying discipline, breaking records and achieving historic milestones. The Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters in history are not just athletes—they are pioneers, role models, and global icons who have inspired generations of jumpers to chase greatness in a sport that leaves no room for hesitation.
The evolution of women’s pole vaulting has been nothing short of spectacular. From its Olympic debut in 2000 to the jaw-dropping performances seen at World Championships, the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters have continued to raise the bar—both literally and metaphorically. These elite competitors have gone head-to-head in major international events, pushing each other to new heights with each passing year. Their performances are a blend of raw power, refined technique, and mental toughness, making pole vaulting one of the most exciting events to watch.
In this list of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, we celebrate women who have not only reached incredible personal bests but also made a lasting impact on the sport. From Olympic champions and world record holders to athletes who brought pole vaulting into the spotlight in their countries, each vaulter on this list has earned her place through excellence, determination, and style. Whether you’re a fan, an athlete, or someone just discovering the sport, this breakdown of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters offers an inspiring look at the women who have soared to greatness and carved their names into the history of athletics.
Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters In Athletics History :
10. Fabiana Murer (Brazil)
Fabiana Murer secures her spot among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters with her remarkable achievements on the international stage. The Brazilian star claimed the gold medal at the 2011 World Championships and also won the 2010 World Indoor title. With a personal best of 4.87 m, Murer held the South American record for years.
What places her in the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is not only her height clearance but also her role in popularizing the event across Latin America. Murer consistently competed against top global names and managed to remain a podium contender for nearly a decade. Her smooth technique, mental composure, and professionalism earned her immense respect in the pole vaulting community.
As one of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, she paved the way for athletes in regions where the event was still growing. Her career is proof that champions can rise from any part of the world with the right mindset and discipline.
| Personal Best | 4.87 m |
9. Sandi Morris (United States)
Sandi Morris is a powerful name among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, known for her consistency, athleticism, and fierce competitiveness. With a personal best of 5.00 meters, she joins the elite group of women who have cleared the symbolic 5-meter barrier, a feat only a few in history have accomplished.
Morris has earned multiple silver medals at the Olympics and World Championships, proving her ability to perform at the sport’s highest level. What places her among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is not just her raw performance but also her ability to stay in medal contention across seasons, against some of the toughest fields in history.
Known for her powerful run-up and explosive take-off, Morris blends strength with near-flawless technique. Beyond the track, she is also an advocate for clean sport and athlete wellness, adding to her respect within the global athletic community. Her consistent podium finishes at Diamond League events and major championships reinforce her reputation as one of the most reliable and driven competitors of her generation. Within the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Sandi Morris represents the modern vaulter—technically sharp, mentally tough, and always hungry for the next big clearance on the world stage.
| Personal Best | 5.00 m |
8. Angelica Bengtsson (Sweden)
Angelica Bengtsson earns her place among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters through her trailblazing presence and consistent performances on the international stage. As Sweden’s most accomplished female pole vaulter, she has pushed national records forward with a personal best of 4.80 meters.
Bengtsson first made headlines as a junior athlete, winning multiple world youth and junior titles, and quickly transitioned into the senior elite level with grace and determination. What secures her position in the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is not only her technical skill but her remarkable mental resilience, often performing her best under pressure.
One of her most iconic moments came at the 2019 World Championships, where she broke her pole mid-jump, borrowed another one, and still set a national record on her next attempt. Her unique flair, smooth transitions in the air, and competitive grit have made her a fan favorite in global competitions. Bengtsson’s success has also brought increased attention to pole vaulting in Scandinavia, inspiring a new wave of young athletes. As one of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Angelica Bengtsson is admired not just for her results, but for her courage, creativity, and determination to stand out in a sport filled with fierce talent.
| Personal Best | 4.80 m |
7. Holly Bradshaw (United Kingdom)
Holly Bradshaw is a standout figure among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, celebrated for her resilience, national impact, and career longevity. With a personal best of 4.90 meters, she holds the British record and has represented her country with distinction in multiple Olympic Games, World Championships, and European competitions.
Bradshaw won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first British woman to ever medal in pole vault at the Olympics, a milestone that elevated her into the ranks of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters. Her vaulting style is marked by a powerful run-up and precise technique, and she’s known for adapting well to different weather and pressure conditions.
Beyond her achievements, Bradshaw has been a vocal advocate for athlete mental health and equality in sport. She has helped raise the profile of women’s pole vaulting in the UK and inspired a new generation of female athletes. What makes her position in the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters particularly special is the way she combines elite performance with leadership off the runway. Holly Bradshaw is a true example of how determination, patience, and passion can deliver both medals and lasting influence in the world of athletics.
| Personal Best | 4.90 m |
6. Yelena Isinbayeva (Russia)
Yelena Isinbayeva is a name that dominates conversations about the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters. Often referred to as the “Queen of Pole Vault,” she revolutionized the sport with her unmatched dominance, technique, and flair. With a personal best of 5.06 meters, she held the world record for over a decade and was the first woman to clear both the 5.00-meter and 5.05-meter marks.
Her list of achievements includes two Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008) and three World Championship titles, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the event’s history. What solidifies her place in the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is the sheer number of times she broke the world record—an astonishing 28 times.
Known for her explosive power, clean take-off, and confidence in competition, Isinbayeva captivated fans around the globe. Her presence on the runway was theatrical, her jumps often saving the best for last, turning every competition into a performance. She inspired not only a generation of female vaulters but also helped the event gain worldwide popularity. Even after her retirement, her legacy continues to influence the sport. Among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Yelena Isinbayeva remains the ultimate symbol of excellence, consistency, and elegance in flight.
| Personal Best | 5.06 m |
5. Jennifer Suhr (United States)
Jennifer Suhr stands tall among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, both literally and figuratively. With a personal best of 5.03 meters indoors and 4.92 meters outdoors, she ranks among the highest vaulters in history. Suhr won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, establishing herself as one of the most consistent American pole vaulters of all time.
Her inclusion in the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is a testament to her steady progression, competitive resilience, and remarkable ability to peak at major events. Suhr also holds multiple American records and has captured numerous national titles, maintaining her dominance in the U.S. for over a decade. What sets her apart is her unmatched indoor success, where she often outperformed her outdoor marks, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and control.
Her technique combines strength with smooth execution, and she often appeared calm and collected, even under pressure. Suhr’s career reflected intense discipline, often training in isolated environments to stay focused and injury-free. As one of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Jennifer Suhr has inspired countless athletes with her quiet confidence and commitment to the sport, making her a true icon in American and global track and field history.
| Personal Best | 5.03 m |
4. Katerina Stefanidi (Greece)
Katerina Stefanidi has firmly secured her place among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters with a career defined by consistency, precision, and championship spirit. Her personal best of 4.91 meters showcases her technical excellence, while her competitive record speaks for itself. Stefanidi won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and followed it up with a World Championship title in 2017, cementing her reputation as one of the most reliable performers in global pole vaulting.
What places her high on the list of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is her ability to deliver when it matters most. She has also won multiple European Championships and remains a regular podium presence at Diamond League and world-level competitions. Known for her refined technique, Stefanidi combines a quick approach with a smooth pole plant and explosive vertical lift. Her performances reflect a deep understanding of the sport, nurtured through years of experience and strategic preparation.
As the most successful Greek athlete in pole vault history, she has become a national icon and role model for aspiring track and field stars. Within the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Stefanidi stands out not just for her medals but for her cool-headed excellence and championship mindset.
| Personal Best | 4.91 m |
3. Anzhelika Sidorova (Russia / Authorized Neutral Athlete)
Anzhelika Sidorova ranks among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters for her technical mastery, calm competitiveness, and consistent excellence on the global stage. With a personal best of 5.01 meters, she is one of the few women in history to clear the elusive 5-meter barrier, joining an elite club within the sport. Sidorova won the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships and has remained a strong medal contender across multiple seasons.
Her entry into the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is not just due to her height clearances but also her ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. Competing as a neutral athlete due to Russia’s international ban, she has managed to rise above politics and continue performing at the highest level. Sidorova is known for her incredibly clean technique—minimal movement in the air, a fluid plant, and remarkable consistency.
She rarely misses early bars and builds momentum efficiently throughout competitions. Her professionalism, focus, and control make her one of the most reliable athletes in the field. Among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, Anzhelika Sidorova stands out for her elegant execution and mental strength, proving that mastery of the basics, when perfected, can lead to extraordinary achievements on the world stage.
| Personal Best | 5.01 m |
2. Wilma Murto (Finland)
Wilma Murto has rapidly risen to prominence and now stands as one of the brightest stars among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters. With a personal best of 4.85 meters, she became the European Champion in 2022 and followed it up with a gold medal at the 2023 World Indoor Championships.
Her success marked a turning point not only in her own career but in the history of Finnish athletics, as she became the country’s first female pole vaulter to achieve global recognition. What places her among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is her steady progression and breakthrough performances when it counts.
Murto is known for her clean take-off, strong mid-air posture, and her ability to stay composed under pressure. Her vaulting is a blend of power and finesse, and she continues to refine her technique with each season. Despite being relatively young compared to others on the list, she has already shown the maturity and competitive strength of a seasoned athlete. Murto has inspired a resurgence of interest in pole vaulting across Scandinavia. As one of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, her story is still unfolding, but her rapid rise and fearless performances have firmly secured her spot among the sport’s elite.
| Personal Best | 4.85 m |
1. Katie Moon (United States)
Katie Moon, formerly known as Katie Nageotte, claims the top position among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters thanks to her recent dominance, technical brilliance, and championship mentality. With a personal best of 4.95 meters, she is one of the highest vaulters in the modern era and has reached the pinnacle of the sport with back-to-back major titles.
Moon won the Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and followed it with a gold at the 2022 World Championships, solidifying her reputation as a consistent and fearless competitor. What places her at the very top of the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters is her incredible timing and peak performances in the most pressured environments.
Her style is marked by speed, a powerful take-off, and calm precision in flight. Off the field, she is known for her sportsmanship and honesty about the mental and physical challenges elite athletes face, making her a relatable and inspiring figure. Katie Moon continues to lead the world rankings, delivering impressive performances in Diamond League circuits and global championships. Among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters, she embodies the perfect blend of athletic excellence and leadership, standing as a symbol of the sport’s current golden age.
| Personal Best | 4.85 m |
FAQs
Q. Who is the best female pole vaulter of all time?
Yelena Isinbayeva is widely regarded as the greatest among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters. She held the world record for over a decade and broke it 28 times.
Q. Which female pole vaulter holds the current world record?
Yelena Isinbayeva holds the women’s world record with a jump of 5.06 meters set in 2009.
Q. Who is the reigning Olympic pole vault champion?
Katie Moon won the Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 and also secured World Championship gold in 2022, placing her among the Top 10 Female Pole Vaulters.
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