THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, May 27, 1996 TAG: 9605270149
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: WIRE, STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: KNOXVILLE, TENN. LENGTH: 38 lines
Tennessee senior Lawrence Johnson broke the American record in the pole vault, clearing 19 feet, 7 1/2 inches in a meet at the school's Tom Black track.
The former Great Bridge High star, who set the NCAA mark of 19-3 two weeks ago, broke the record on his third attempt Saturday night.
Scott Huffman set the previous record of 19-7 in 1994 at Tennessee.
``I said, `Let's see what you can do when you're tired and then we'll see what you can do when you're fresh,' '' said Johnson, still recovering from the decathlon last week in the SEC championships.
With the record, Johnson solidifies his position as the favorite for the Olympic trials, and the vaulter's sights now are set on Atlanta.
``I pretty much know what it's going to take to win the trials and the gold medal at the Olympics,'' he said last month.
``That's what my training's been geared for all year.''
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee senior Lawrence Johnson broke the American record in the pole vault, clearing 19 feet, 7 1/2 inches in a meet at the school's Tom Black track.
The former Great Bridge High star, who set the NCAA mark of 19-3 two weeks ago, broke the record on his third attempt Saturday night.
Scott Huffman set the previous U.S. record of 19-7 in 1994.
``I said, `Let's see what you can do when you're tired and then we'll see what you can do when you're fresh,' '' said Johnson, still recovering from the decathlon last week in the SEC championships.
With the record, Johnson solidifies his position as the favorite for the Olympic trials, and the vaulter's sights now are set on Atlanta.
``I pretty much know what it's going to take to win the trials and the gold medal at the Olympics,'' he said last month.
``That's what my training's been geared for all year.'' by CNB