In a breathtaking display of skill and nerve, British pole vaulter Molly Caudery has been crowned World Indoor Champion, sending a resounding message to the athletics world ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The 23-year-old sensation soared over a world-leading height of 4.80 metres on her final attempt, sending the Glasgow crowd into a frenzy and securing Britain's first gold medal of the championships.
A nail-biting finale
The competition boiled down to a thrilling head-to-head between Caudery and her American rival, two-time world champion Sandi Morris. Both athletes had cleared 4.80m, but the gold was awarded to Caudery based on countback, having achieved the height in fewer attempts.
'It's absolutely surreal,' an elated Caudery exclaimed after her victory. 'To do it here in front of a home crowd in Glasgow, with my family here, it's a dream I've had since I was a little girl. I'm just over the moon.'
Overcoming adversity
Caudery's journey to the top of the podium is a testament to her resilience. Her career has been punctuated by significant challenges, including a serious finger injury in 2022 that required extensive surgery.
Her triumphant return to form this season, which included clearing 4.86m outdoors, had already marked her as a contender. This victory in Glasgow confirms her status as a genuine gold medal threat for Paris.
What this means for British athletics
Caudery's victory continues a strong tradition of British success in the pole vault, following in the footsteps of icons like Holly Bradshaw. It marks a significant moment for UK Athletics, showcasing the depth of talent emerging in field events.
With the Paris Olympics now just months away, all eyes will be on Caudery as she carries this phenomenal momentum and confidence onto the global stage.
