Beijing vault 4th placer Derek Miles is making this his fifnal season at age 39.  “I still have the same expectations of myself that I had 5-6 years ago.”  Miles told the Des Moines Register “As you get a little older, it gets a little bit more difficult to run the same speed you used to be as powerful.But if I didn’t truly feel like I could run out there and jump 19-plus, then I would be done.

Reigning pole vault champ Steve Hooker of Australia now does his training in a secret converted railroad shop, and has gotten rid of the “yips” that sidelined him earlier this year. “We are away from everyone so there’s no one watching. It’s just my team of coaches, sports psychologist and biomechanist,” he told Perthnow.  “There are no interruptions from other people in other events, from the weather or restrictions to training hours.  I now feel confident on the runway again,” he said. “I feel in control.  I feel very confident turning up every session.”

Former indoor American Record holder Mel Mueller is back vaulting at 39 after a 5 year break.  “I’m not saying I’m coming out of retirement,” she tweeted. “just that I’m having fun, it keeps me in great shape and we will see what happens.”