For Renaud Lavillenie, time is starting to run out. Nearly two months before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French pole vaulter has still not achieved the minimums (5.82 m), essential to participate in the big Parisian event this summer. Engaged in the Perche des Alpes meeting this Wednesday in Grenoble, the Olympic champion in London in 2012 remained stuck at 5.40 m. After passing this mark on his second attempt, the Clermontois missed three times at 5.60 m.
“It’s the worst scenario to miss like that on a third try. It’s frustrating, I expected everything and nothing today, Lavillenie reacted after the meeting. I wasn’t easy, my back was a little against the wall on the third try at 5.60m. I tried to force myself, to put some energy into it. I lacked a little success. It’s obviously frustrating but I didn’t come for nothing, I got information, I know I’m in a complicated situation. »
Lavillenie, operated on following a partial rupture of the hamstring tendon of the left thigh on September 14, 2023, is running behind his best form since his return to competition in May.
Two decisive meetings at the end of June
His best result this year was achieved at the meeting in Duszniki (Poland) on May 31, when the former pole vault world record holder soared to 5.72 m. Unfortunately for him, the French athlete was caught up again by his body, revealing to suffer from a lesion of the aponeurosis at the level of the left ischio after three missed attempts at 5.60 m at Le Bourget, at the start of the week.
After this new failure in Grenoble, the triple European champion only has two meetings left to ensure the minimums: in Toulouse on Saturday June 22 and in Angers, during the French Championships, on Sunday June 30.
“I lost my rhythm, I have to continue to work on that,” said Lavillenie. What boosts me is that I can produce jumps with intensity and without pain. This is a significant step in my case. I’m going to go back to Toulouse. You need to go forward. »
