Gold medalist, World Champion, World Record holder, and Fredonia native Jenn Suhr will be vaulting to break her own world record at a free family event this Saturday at Steele Hall.
Ms. Suhr will vault with several other local vaulters in a sanctioned USA Track & Field (USATF) event from 5 to 7 p.m. It is part of her World Championship Tour.
"This is the third event we've done with Jen," said Fredonia Track and Cross Country head coach Thomas Wilson. "Four years ago, she held an event on Church Street in the village after she won a gold medal, then last year she was part of a pole vaulting competition.
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"The excitement is huge," said Wilson. "Anytime you can get a world record holder right in front of you, it's pretty amazing."
Ms. Suhr pole vaulted last Friday at her alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan, where she cleared 16 feet. That vault would have won gold in the Rio Olympics this summer. Ms. Suhr fell ill in Rio several days before her competition, and finished tied for 7th.
"That shows what good shape she is in now, and how sick she was in Rio," Wilson said.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. Jen will do a meet-and-greet session with fans after the event.
The Fredonia Faculty Student Association concession stand will be open. There will be a 50/50 raffle and free Adidas merchandise given away. The event is sponsored by "The Perfect Granola."
"They want a lot of noise and support," Wilson said. "That's what it's all about."
