On June 14, during an international meet in Busan, pole vaulter Ivan Tovchenik placed 9th with a modest result of 5.10 meters — a performance that prompted an interview with the Almaty-based athlete.
Ivan Tovchenik, who will turn 26 in July, is Kazakhstan’s top pole vaulter. He set his personal best of 5.40 meters over four years ago, in January 2021. This year, he cleared 5.10 in January, then 5.20 in February, and once again 5.10 in Busan.
– What went wrong in Busan?
– My foot was bothering me. The day before the flight, we had a control training session, and during the take-off, my left foot started hurting. By evening, a hematoma had formed.
– This wasn’t your first time competing in Korea. But you’ve struggled to go beyond 5.20…
– Last year, it was pouring rain and many athletes opted out. I tried to push through. This year, unfortunately, I got injured.
– Describe the jumping sector in Busan. How does it compare to more familiar settings?
– The sector in Busan is excellent, no complaints there.
– What result are you aiming for in 2025?
– If I can heal my foot in time, I’m already capable of jumping 5.50.
– At the 2025 Asian Championship, the bronze medal in pole vault was won with 5.67. How realistic is that height for you?
– To reach that level, Asian athletes regularly train in camps alongside guys with the same high results. They’re used to that kind of competition. Strong performances always come from such rivalries.
– Are you looking toward the 2026 Asian Games? What kind of results do you need to make the team?
– I’m confident I’ll be in the medal fight.
– What are the key components of a successful jump for you? What’s more important — physical ability, technique, or mentality?
– Technique, speed, and the ability to overcome fear.
– After years of competing, you’ve gained experience. What are the main lessons you’ve learned?
– To pay more attention to the little things — success lies in the details.
– What keeps you motivated to keep jumping?
– The desire to prove to myself that I can.
– How do you think one should respond to turning points, whether in victory or defeat?
– As cliché as it sounds, you need to approach such moments with a cool head.
– Do you have your own ways of mentally unwinding?
– For me, training is a part of psychological release. Another way is spending more time with family — they help me stay balanced.
– Now a quick blitz. Which global vaulter inspires you?
– Emmanouil Karalis (bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympics, medalist at two World Indoor Championships).
– The toughest sector in your career?
– For me, there’s no such thing as a tough sector.
– Favorite city to compete in?
– My hometown, Almaty (laughs)
In the photo: Ivan Tovchenik – mid-flight.
