DES MOINES, Iowa – From Waco to the world.
Baylor’s KC Lightfoot qualified for the upcoming World Track and Field Championships with the best day of his young career on Saturday. Lightfoot cleared a personal-best 18-10 3/4 in the men’s pole vault, finishing third in the event to clinch his spot on USA’s roster for the Worlds.
“I’m so proud of KC,” Baylor head coach Todd Harbour said. “What an incredible accomplishment for an outstanding young man. He will now represent our country and Baylor well in Doha.”
Lightfoot, who just wrapped up his freshman year for the Bears in June, was the only non-professional among the top three vaulters. Nike pro Sam Kendricks surpassed 19-10 1/2 for the victory, while his Nike teammate Cole Walsh topped out at 18-10 3/4, the same height as Lightfoot. But Walsh took second based on fewer misses.
Lightfoot, 19, showed near boundless-bounce from the very start of the event. He cleared his first four heights on his first four attempts at each. That included his first vault at 18-8 3/4, which tied his previous personal best.
