GoPro filmed pole-vaulter Allison Stokke and uploaded the video to YouTube. It had over 1.6 million views at the time of writing.
I would wager that many readers have never attempted to pole vault, but this latest video from GoPro offers a good first taste of the gravity defying sport. GoPro teamed up with former Cal Bear Allison Stokke to film her as she trains, with the process captured from various different angles.
GoPro cameras strategically placed
In order to capture the amazing shots, cameras were placed on Stokke’s head, the end of her pole and the crossbar. The video shows us how Stokke soars to such dizzying heights, and she also explains to us why she enjoys pole vaulting so much.
“Pole-vaulting is a rush. It’s so frustrating, but I think that’s what makes it so fun,” Stokke says. “Technically there’s no limit as to how high the bar can go.”
Stokke became a known figure in her sport as a member of the University of California pole vaulting team in 2011. A failed attempt at earning a place in the U.S. Olympic team for the 2012 London Olympics did not put her off the sport, which she continues to practice even after graduating college in 2013.
Possible Olympic appearance
It remains to be seen whether she trials for the U.S. squad for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, but either way this latest video with GoPro has brought her to the attention of the internet, and perhaps turned a few more people into pole vault fans.
If you are considering taking up the sport you would be wise to take into consideration Stokke’s parting line: ‘Everyone says us pole vaulters are crazy and I have to agree.’
GoPro recently announced the creation of its own Roku channel, where it will be encouraging the inclusion of content from outside the more traditional GoPro field of extreme sports. The company is looking to branch out into new sectors as it continues to act on its desire to become a media company.
