Holly Bleasdale leapt a world best 4.77 metres to win Sheffield pole vault
Holly Bleasdale produced a world-leading performance to win the pole vault at the British Indoors in Sheffield.
Last Updated: 09/02/13 7:37pm
The Olympic finalist cleared 4.77 metres on her third attempt moving above London 2012 champion Jennifer Suhr (4.76m) in the 2013 standings.
The 21-year-old, who was sixth in the summer spectacular, failed with three attempts at a new personal best and British record of 4.90m but is in confident mood after making changes to her technique over the winter.
"When I jumped 4.77m I knew there was a lot more even though I am still not quite clicking everything together like in training," said Bleasdale.
"Once I do that I will easily be clearing bars like that. It was the biggest pole I have ever used and I was so tired I thought I was going to land in the box, but my coach told me what I was doing wrong and so I will know for next time."
The victory sealed Bleasdale's place in the Great Britain team for the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg and she is optimistic of bettering the bronze medal she won in Istanbul last year.
Bleasdale added: "I'm pretty confident I can go there and win gold. I'm very positive.
"I've jumped against most of the girls who will be there. (Yelena) Isinbayeva is not doing it and neither is Silke (Spiegelburg). There are a couple of girls who can jump 4.60 metres or 4.70m but if I go there and do 4.80m I think that will be enough to win."
There were also impressive performances from James Dasaolu and Asha Philip in the men's and women's 60 metres competitions.
Dasaolu took advantage of the absence of five-time champion Dwain Chambers through injury to win in 6.58 seconds, with Philip's time of 7.15 seconds moving her to third on the British all-time rankings and equal fifth in the world this year.
But there were further injury worries for 60 metre hurdler Andy Pozzi, who had to withdraw from the rest of his races after injuring his hamstring in winning his heat, letting in team-mate Gianni Frankis for the victory.