Competing once again in Korea at the “Busan International Pole Vault Meeting,” Kazakhstan’s Ivan Tovchenik finished with a result of 5.10 meters.
As a result, the Kazakh athlete placed 9th. However, what is probably more disappointing for both the athlete and his coaches is not the placement itself, but rather the performance, unless they believe that 5.10 or 5.20 meters is already his limit.
Ivan is about to turn 26. He cleared 5.20 back in 2020. There have been occasions when Tovchenik vaulted 5.30 and even 5.40 meters at domestic competitions. But it cannot be said that clearing these heights has become routine for him. This time, at the traditional pole vault competition held on June 14 in Busan – the “Busan International Pole Vault Meeting” – he failed to clear 5.20, which was his result at this event last year.
The winner on June 14 was Patsapong Amsam-ang from Thailand, who had previously won a bronze medal at the Asian Championships in late May with a mark of 5.67 meters. In Busan, a height of 5.50 meters was enough for victory. The same height was cleared by Charlie Myers from Great Britain, but with more attempts, which placed him second. The third place went to American Christian Sampy, who cleared 5.40 meters with fewer attempts than Japan’s Masaki Ajima, who also managed 5.40.
Fifth to eighth places were taken by two vaulters from Korea, as well as athletes from New Zealand and India. Ninth place, with a result of 5.10 meters, was shared by Indonesia’s Idan Fauzan Rihsan and Ivan Tovchenik.
The Kazakh athlete started his competition at 5.00 meters, which he cleared on his first attempt. He also cleared 5.10 on his first try. Afterwards, Tovchenik made three attempts at 5.20, but was unsuccessful.
A total of 18 vaulters from 14 countries participated in the men’s competition at the “2025 Busan International Pole Vault Meeting” – Thailand, Great Britain, USA, Japan, Korea (4), New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Australia, Chinese Taipei (2), and Singapore.
In the photo: Ivan Tovchenik concludes his performance at the “Busan International Pole Vault Meeting.”
