Pocatello ID. The Simplot Games started off on a high note with the girls Pole Vault competition at Holt Arena in Pocatello. The top finisher on the girls side was Kourtney Rathke from Colorado who cleared the bar at 13-01.25 nearly missing the meet record.
Photo By Enrique Sote Milesplit Idaho - Rathke attempts meet record at SImplot games
Milesplit Idaho: How does it feel to be Simplot games champion and the girls polevault ?
Kourtney Rathke: It's super exciting!! I had a rough warm up but built the meet from my shorter runs so I was just happy to jump some bars.
Milesplit Idaho: Can you describe the atmosphere at Holt Arena during your pole vault competition?
Kourtney Rathke: The atmosphere was incredible. The energy was super high and supportive. All of the girls out on the field did awesome and were positive and encouraging. And the crowd clapping was really cool
Milesplit Idaho: Moving forward, what is your main goal for the rest of indoor and then looking forward to outdoor season in the pole vault ?
Kourtney Rathke: My main goal for the rest of Indoor is to get over 14'. Going into outdoor I would love to stay consistent and just have fun and enjoy the experience.
Milesplit Idaho: Lastly, what's your go to pump up song before your vaulting ?
Kourtney Rathke: My favorite song to listen to before vaulting is Head and Heart by Joel Corry. It's a fun song and I sing it in my head before vaults because it keeps me calm and focused.
Photo By Enrique Soto Milesplit Idaho -The Crowd Looks on as Kourtney Rathke attacks the bar in Holt Arena on her way to winning the 2023 Simplot Games Girls pole vault championship.
