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A sold-out Oregon Convention Center witnessed
American Jenn Suhr win her first pole vault world title while
France's Renaud Lavillenie won the men's gold on the opening day
of the championships in the U.S. two years ago.
The success of those events influenced organizers in Birmingham
to try something similar, with high jump getting the nod to kick
off the event.
"The pole vault competitions in Portland two years ago were very
successful so we decided to continue with the high jump finals,"
said Chris Cohen, competition director of the event.
"Britain has a good history in this event and we have athletes
in both finals. Also with (IAAF male athlete of the year) Mutaz
Essa Barshim jumping, it is going to be very exciting
competition," he added.
The high jump events for men and women will begin at the same
time and participants will start their run-ups from the bend of
the track with two mats placed on the infield.
As the field reduces, men and women will jump alternatively to
allow fans to focus on one jumper at a time.
Thursday's opening session of the March 1-4 championships will
end with the women's 3,000 meters final with defending champion
Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia and Britain's Laura Muir in action.
"We also wanted to have one final on the track so with Laura
Muir in the women´s 3000m that will be very attractive for the
locals," Cohen added.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed
Osmond)
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