Prospects of Steven Hooker in the Samsung Diamond League
At the age of twenty eight, Steven Hooker has reached a level of success and glory that a vast majority of people cannot even comprehend within the realm of their imaginations. This Australian born Pole Vaulter boasts off a personal best of 6.06 meters, which firmly establishes him as the second highest Pole Vaulter in the history of this sport, with the first spot being occupied by none other than Sergey Bubka. Steven Hooker succeeded in claiming a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics 2008, with a vault performance of 5.96 meters that not only allowed him to register a record under his name at the forum of Olympics, but also significantly established him as the only male track and field athlete to brag a gold medal in forty years, the honour being previously held by Ralph Doubell.
Hooker carried his excelling form well into the World Athletic Championships in 2009, successfully adding another gold medal to his collection, despite suffering from a severe groin injury. This incident speaks volumes in terms of elaborating the calibre of this athlete, the physical endurance he demonstrated and most importantly the aptitude he possesses is skilfully exhibited at every occasion granted to him. The IAAF World Indoor Championships held recently in 2009 are a further testimony to the excellence of Steven Hooker, since they enabled him to set a championship record of 6.01 meters, sealing his victorious stride with another gold medal to his name. Hence, this athlete’s uncanny athletic abilities and his intense desire for continued pre-eminence firmly establish him well above others in his profession.
The upcoming pole vault event at the Samsung Diamond League promises a considerable level of well spirited competition for Steven Hooker, for it sets up an encounter with his most popular rival, Renaud Lavillenie from France. While both men have been fascinating to watch in their own ways, it needs to be reiterated that neither of them has been able to accomplish the feat of surpassing the 6 meter barrier this season, with Steven Hooker’s best being 5.91 meters, while that of Renaud Lavillenie being 5.94 meters. The upcoming set up will hence establish the might of one of these players, while shatter the confidence and morale of the other. Steven Hooker is seemingly assured of his abilities, as he has recently released a statement revealing that he is all geared for the encounter, partly owing to the New York Diamond League, which has assisted him to a great extent to keep him in shape, hence enabling him to perform consistently.
Also chosen as an ambassador for the Samsung Diamond League, Steven Hooker seems sufficiently familiar with his responsibilities towards the league as both a participating athlete and a promoter of the tournament. While his consistent records in the recent past suggest that he is well placed to be crowned victorious again on the encounter with his popular arch rival on Friday, one needs to take into account the fact that both athletes are placed within the same circumference in terms of performance. Whether Steven Hooker is able to continue his streak into the Samsung Diamond League is a news that will be discovered soon, but it is definitely certain that the fixture will be an entertaining watch, not only because it sets up two of the greatest Pole Vaulters against each other in a healthy, competitive spirit, but also because it provides hope of the 6 meter barrier being surpassed.
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