Burgess overtakes Walker in IAAF Rankings

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 18,00.html

Aussie wins No.1 pole vault spot
September 13, 2006
AUSTRALIA'S Paul Burgess has leapt to the top of the IAAF world pole vault rankings to end his European season on a high.

Burgess won the World Athletics Final last weekend, collecting $US30,000 ($A39,200) in the process.

He also gathered enough points to jump from third to first with 1,357 when the standings were updated overnight.

The Perth native knew it was his only remaining opportunity to make a move up the order.

"This is my last chance for the year," Burgess told AAP after his win on Saturday.

"I don't have another opportunity to improve."

He will be a reserve when training partner and Commonwealth Games champion Steven Hooker represents Oceania at the World Cup in Athens this weekend, the last meet on the European calendar this season.

Hooker remained in second place with 1,351 points ahead of third-placed American Brad Walker on 1,347.