Marschall and Parnova Kick-off Short European Tour in Poland

WA pole vaulters Kurtis Marschall and Liz Parnova have completed their first competition outing of a short European tour at a small indoor meet in Poland.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games representatives both wasted little time in getting into the swing of things having only arrived in Europe a day earlier, with Marschall clearing 5.78m for second place and Parnova collecting fifth with a best mark of 4.23m.

Marschall cleared at 5.46m, 5.61m, 5.71m and finally at 5.78m which incredibly was just three centimetres off his season’s best despite competing off limited preparation from long-haul travel.

Polish great Piotr Lisek took the win after he too cleared at 5.78m and then jumped 5.75m in a jump-off for first. After 11 jumps across the competition, Marschall passed up at the height, opting to retire from competition as a preventative measure with a busy schedule to follow.

He will next be in action in St Gallen, Switzerland.

Parnova exited competition after her pole got caught in her hand (spray grip) and trailed into the bar after an otherwise clean attempt.

She will look forward to her next outing as she bids to continue what has been a highly encouraging start to the 2019 season.

In other news:

Local pole vault training partners Declan Carruthers and Angus Armstrong will headline competition at this weekend’s Sydney Track Classic.

It represents a swift trip home for Armstrong, who only linked up with Alex Parnov’s group in Perth over the New Year.

2017 IPC Athletics World Championship medallist Sarah Edmiston has registered an early qualifying standard after throwing 35.44m in Perth last weekend.

The result puts her in very good stead for selection on this year’s Australian Flame team which will compete in Dubai next November.