Anna Watson - Pole Vault Performance Spotlight

           Anna Watson of Olentangy Orange HS is the #1 ranked Pole Vault athlete in the state.


MileSplit Ohio would like to congratulate Anna Watson of Olentangy Orange High School for her recent Pole Vault achievement at the OHSAA Division 1 District - Central 2 meet. 

Anna Watson won the Pole Vault event with her incredible vault of 13-6.25!  This vault represents an Ohio #1, a U.S. #5 and an All Time Ohio state record!  The previous record was 13-6 which was set by Kristen Denk of North Royalton High School in 2015.  


           Olentangy Orange's Anna Watson owns the All Time Pole Vault record for the state of Ohio.  


Below is a description of the event from Olentangy Orange coach, Adam Walters: 


Anna has been at 13'0" consistently the whole outdoor season with some very good attempts at 13'6, so we've all been thinking it was just a matter of when she would get the state record.  Tuesday was a great day weather-wise by the time the girls were vaulting. 

After her first attempt at 13'6.25 and right before the record vault, her pole vault coach Shawn O'Neill looked at me and said "She's going to get it on this one."  Sure enough she did!  She had a great attempt at 13'8 as well and so we all believe she is capable of more as we keep progressing through the post season. 

Anna first picked up a pole as a 10th grader so it has been remarkable to be see her progress so much in a little over 2 years, but that's a testament to her attitude, hard work, competitiveness, dedication and the commitment of Coach O'Neill. 


           Anna Watson's coach credits her success to her hard work and perseverance.  


Below is a summary from Anna Watson's Pole Vault coach, Shawn O'Neill:


Anna Watson is a 'special talent' and I could tell you that she was going to be the best on the team, but I never would have guessed three years ago that she would be the best in the state of Ohio!  Anna had an unforgettable record breaking performance on Tuesday night at Hilliard by clearing 13'6.25" with room to spare.  Anna is one of the most competitive athletes that I have ever coached, but she is also very congratulatory when it comes to her fellow pole vaulters.  She has consistently cleared 13'0" this season with multiple attempts at the state record.  I am very proud of her on and off the field and I cannot wait to see what she will do at Indiana University and beyond!  


           Anna Watson will be competing for Indiana University next year.  


Below is Anna Watson's reaction to her record setting vault: 


My excitement was through the roof as this is the goal I have had all year and I finally got it!  I would work hard every day at practice because I knew that's what I was trying to achieve. 


           Anna Watson demonstrating great form and concentration during her 13-6.25 vault. 


Thank you to Natalie Johnson for providing the pictures that were used in this recap and thanks to Adam Walters for supplying all of the connections that made this article possible.  Again, congratulations to Anna Watson on a fantastic performance!  


           Anna Watson's coaches feel that she can vault even higher than 13-6.25 in the future!