Kelsie Hendry going over the top (Canada)

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http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoe ... c3711a2095

Hendry going over the top
Clint Walper, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, February 08, 2008
Kelsie Hendry is kind of a big deal.
The Saskatoon pole vaulter has made a habit of winning. Her competitive resume includes three athlete-of-the-year honours with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and three university championships. She is the No. 1-ranked vaulter in Canada.
This weekend she looks to ascend to even greater heights and add to her local legacy.

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Hendry is the five-time defending champion in pole vault at the Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Indoor Games, which begin tonight at the Field House.
"It's always a good opportunity for me because I get to compete against some top Americans and top Canadians and I get to do it at home," said Hendry. "Usually I have to travel for that type of opportunity, so it's nice to be able to do it at home in front of my family and friends."
In 2003, Hendry started her dynasty with a jump of 4.16 metres to win her first K of C Games title. Her best jump at the Games came in 2005 when she cleared 4.30m, while last year she beat fellow Saskatonian and current training partner Adrianne Vangool with a jump of 4.10 metres.
Hendry will look for her sixth consecutive title Saturday afternoon against Vangool and Leah Vause, also of Saskatoon. A pair of American vaulters, Kira Sims and Kate Conwell, and Canadian Sue Kupper round out the competition.
"Adrianne and Leah are getting better and better so they'll be there and they are pretty strong," said Hendry. "My plan is to focus on the technical things in the vault I've been working on. And if I get those things, I think I'll jump high and that'll give me a good chance."
Hendry is living and training in Saskatoon with Vangool. She'll continue to train in the city for the next two months before preparing to negotiate her biggest height yet -- an Olympic berth in Beijing in 2008.
"I'm chasing that Olympic standard this year, so I'll be going to Arizona in April and May," said Hendry. "My coach has been working with sports scientist Bruce Craven and they've developed a great program for me. And I've been training with Adrianne as well and I think that's made such a difference this year. We've done everything together and we've really built up. We both have a chance of getting a really good peak this year."
The Olympic qualifying period begins April 1 and ends in July. Hendry will work with Greg Hull in Arizona, a coach she has trained with in the past, and wants to attend three meets per month in the hopes of securing a spot at her first Olympics. The 25-year old can earn a berth in one of two ways: Clear 4.45 metres twice or 4.54 metres once. Her personal best is 4.46m, set in 2005.
"Last season was a building year for me and I think I got really consistent. So now I'd like to leave my platform and be consistent at a higher height, and I think if I can do that then that'll bring me the standard," said Hendry. "I just have to focus the technical aspects and the standard will come. It's been my goal for quite awhile now and I think I have a good shot. You never know what can happen, but I've been working really hard for this and I hope it happens."
Hendry has taken part in a few university meets so far this year, but this weekend's meet will provide a springboard into the competitive season and her Olympic aspirations.
"I'm excited for it and I think it'll be a lot of fun," said Hendry. "I'm really looking forward to getting back into competition and it feels like it's kind of time to get started."
The K of C Games kick off today at 4 p.m. Events run until 9:15 p.m. at the Field House. On Saturday, events will run from 10 to 11:50 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.