The Secret Life of a Pole Vaulter

Jess Robinson, one of the UK’s top 10 pole vaulters, shares how she balances life, training, and carrying her pole safely through airports

Whether she’s soaring over the bar, crunching numbers in the office, or navigating an airport with her trusty (4m) poles, Profeet ambassador Jess exemplifies what it means to chase your dreams with unwavering determination.

At just 25 years old, she’s perfecting the skill of clearing bars over four metres high, all while balancing a demanding career and overcoming distinctive physical challenges. Here’s a glimpse into the world of pole vaulting through the eyes of a rising star.

A family legacy

Jess’s journey into pole vaulting was, quite literally, in her DNA. Her mother, a former high jumper from the Czech Republic, introduced her to athletics at a young age. Jess began as a gymnast at just four years old, a discipline that built her strength, agility, and resilience. By the age of eight, she had transitioned to track and field, starting as a multi-eventer before discovering pole vaulting at 12. She’s been hooked ever since.

“My mum still competes in pole vault to this day,” Jess shares proudly. “Her passion for the sport definitely inspired me.”

Jess initially trained at her local club, Dacorum & Tring AC (now Dacorum AC) based at Hemel Hempstead’s Jarman Park athletics track, before moving to Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (WSEH) for the leagues they competed in. Today, she trains at Brunel University, taking full advantage of its state-of-the-art indoor facilities.

Her typical week involves training six days a week, with a mix of specific pole vault drills, sprinting, strength training, and conditioning.

“Pole vaulting is unique because every athlete has their own set of poles tailored to their strength, height, and weight,” she explains.
“It’s not just about jumping – it’s about strategy, timing, and mental focus.” Despite the rigorous demands, Jess finds joy in the process. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of clearing a new height,” she says.

Balancing work and sport

Outside of athletics, Jess works three days a week as a junior estimator in the construction industry. It’s a role she entered thanks to her father’s influence and one that helps fund her athletic ambitions.

“It’s challenging to balance everything,” Jess admits. “I’m up at 5:30 a.m. on workdays, navigating rush-hour traffic to make it to the office. But I’m grateful that my schedule allows me to train in the evenings and take time off for competitions.” The dual commitments require meticulous planning and discipline, but Jess sees her work-life balance as a source of strength. “Having a career outside of athletics keeps me grounded,” she says.

The logistics of transporting a 4-metre pole

If pole vaulting itself isn’t complex enough, transporting a 4-metre-long pole adds an entirely new layer of difficulty. Jess’s poles are carefully strapped to the roof rack of her (or her mum’s) car with industrial ties, a method she has perfected over the years.

Air travel, however, is a different beast.

“Every airport has its own quirks,” she says. “At Gatwick, for example, we once had to walk the poles up a car park entrance because they wouldn’t fit through the regular stairwells.”

The process involves navigating excess baggage checks, convincing airport staff that her poles are not contraband, and ensuring they’re handled with care.

“Poles are expensive and prone to breakage,” Jess explains. “If one gets damaged en route, it’s devastating.”

Overcoming physical challenges

Jess’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Born with severe flat feet and an extra bone in each foot, she suffered from knee, hip, and back pain throughout her childhood.

In 2018, Jess suffered a setback from a broken ankle after an awkward landing – followed by a stress fracture two years later on the same side.

“That took a while to fix, and I had issues with overcompensations. By working on my biomechanics, having regular massage and osteo, and support from Profeet with the right footwear adaptations, helped keep me injury free for the past three years now.”

Looking ahead

As the outdoor competition season approaches, Jess is setting her sights high. From April to September, she’ll compete across Europe.

“Outdoor competitions are especially challenging because of the weather,” Jess explains. “Wind and rain can completely change the dynamics of a jump.” Despite the hurdles, Jess is optimistic about the future. “Every season brings new opportunities to push my limits,” she says. “I’m excited to see what heights I can achieve this year.”