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Jan 1, 1200
Wood
Material used: wood
Structure: old spears, the pike or any long pole with enough strength.
Effect: used to jump over canals in Europe.
Biomechanical principle: leverage -
Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Pole Vault
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Wood
Material: wood (ash, hickory, hazel wood)
Structure: crafted wooden pole
Biomechanical principle: leverage -
Bamboo
Material: Bamboo
Structure: Long, hollow, lighter bamboo poles
Effect: competitive athletics introduced, allowed greater speed on runway
Biomechanical principle: leverage, transfer or momentum, acceleration -
Aluminium
Material: Aluminium
Structure: stronger, more reliable
Effect: greater speed, more confidence in equipment
Biomechanical principle: leverage, transfer of momentum, acceleration -
Fibreglass
Material: Fibreglass
Structure: synthetic pole
Effect: flexible
Biomechanical principle: leverage, safety, acceleration, angle of release, force summation -
Carbon fibre
Material: Carbon fibre
Structure: Synthetically crafted and computer designed pole.
Effect: much lighter, extensive development of new jumping style
Biomechanical principle: leverage, acceleration, safety, angle of release, force summation