Jenn Stuczynski vaults to Beijing Olympics with new American record

Jennifer Stuczynski (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 8) -- Jennifer Stuczynski cleared 4.92 meters at the US Olympic track and field trials to break her own American record in women's pole vault, earning a spot at the Beijing Olympics.

Stuczynski, 26, had a rough start, missing her first two attempts at 4.60 meters, but the two-time USA Outdoor Championships gold medalist successfully made it on the third attempt.

"This is a huge relief. When I was finished, I was probably more relieved at making that (the height) than the American record. It was a huge relief," Stuczynski told USA Track and Field's official website. "It was exciting because I knew I was on the team at that point. And then I could just jump."

Stuczynski's pole vaulting career reached new heights this year. She won the Indoor US Nationals to participate in the 2008 IAAF Indoor World Championships in Valencia, Spain, where she won a silver medal. Stuczynski cleared 4.90 at the Adidas Track Classic on May 18, breaking the American record she had previously set.

The two other Olympic qualifiers are April Steiner Bennett and Erica Bartolina, who cleared 4.60 meters and 4.55 meters, respectively. Stuczynski was the only vaulter at the trials to clear the 4.65-meter mark.

Stacy Dragila, the 2000 Olympic champion, dropped out of contention with a 4.40-meter jump.