AUSTIN - Julia Fixsen of Virginia Tech won the women's pole vault title at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships on Thursday, clearing 4.45m/14-7.25. Fixsen, a sophomore, set a personal best with her winning jump.
Nastassja Campbell of Washington was the runner-up, also clearing 4.45m/14-7.25. Gennifer Hirata of South Dakota was third, clearing 4.40m/14-5.25.
JULIA. FIXSEN!!! 👀🏆
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"I had 15 family members here, so it was kind of a little bit of pressure for me to do well," Fixsen said. "They all came out to watch me and it was 10:30 at night. I honestly didn't think about it, but I really appreciated them cheering me on every time. Being able to greet them when it was all over and take lots of pictures was really great."
Fixsen cleared 4.45m/14-7.25 on her first attempt, which was enough to win the title. Campbell and Hirata both had to clear 4.45m/14-7.25 on their third and final attempts to finish in the top two.
"It feels really good," Fixsen said. "I've worked really hard for a long time. Even when I was a gymnast, I've always wanted to be a champion and a world champion. This feels like a really good step one for me, and who knows what's in the future!"