British pole vault star and national record-holder Molly Caudery has been ruled out of the World Championships in Tokyo after sustaining an ankle injury during warm-up on Monday (September 15).
UK Athletics confirmed her withdrawal in a statement, saying:
“Unfortunately Molly Caudery has been forced to withdraw from pole vault qualifying following an ankle injury sustained in warm-up.”
From indoor world champion to Olympic disappointment
Caudery, 25, had been determined to bounce back this year after a mixed 2024 season. She won the world indoor title in Glasgow, but was left disappointed with a bronze medal at the European Championships in Rome and then failed to clear her opening height of 4.55m at the Paris Olympics.
Coming into Tokyo, she had shown strong form, clearing 4.80m twice in August and winning multiple events including the Diamond League in Doha.
Freak accident ends her campaign
Her campaign ended abruptly in Tokyo when she appeared to catch one of her spikes in the bed during her run-up — an extremely rare mishap in pole vaulting.
She was taken from the arena in a wheelchair as fellow competitors offered her support and consolation.
The Cornish athlete had planned to stay in Japan for an extended holiday after the championships, but the injury has brought an unexpected and early end to her season.
