And, of course, method is very important as is a high-quality specialist (trainer) working with you to keep you going in the right direction for your improvement and to help create results.

The strategy of my coach and me was that we looked at pictures of all the best pole vaulters from around the world, and we took the best parts from them, and we created a person that had never existed. We then started to work toward being such a person.

The Olympics are always a special competition. It is very difficult to predict what will happen.

I am alone, some people help me, but, basically, I can do what I want.

People come from around the world and can understand each other without even speaking the same languages!

I love the pole vault because it is a professor's sport. One must not only run and jump, but one must think. Which pole to use, which height to jump, which strategy to use. I love it because the results are immediate and the strongest is the winner. Everyone knows it. In everyday life that is difficult to prove.

I have spoken with many former athletes, and they tell me the best time they had was in sports. I listen to them and use their experience in my career.