Silandro – Exactly 50 days before this year’s pole vault meet in Silandro, the entry lists are taking shape: The organizers have confirmed additional top international stars who will compete on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Kulturhausplatz in the Vinschgau market town. A raffle is also a new addition to the program.
Defending champion confirmed – South Tyrol record holder also set to compete
According to a statement from the organizers, both of last year’s course record holders will defend their titles. Dutch athlete Menno Vloon, who set the men’s course record of 5.91 meters in 2025, is said to have signaled his return from the very beginning. In the women’s competition, Brazilian Juliana de Menis Campos is returning; she won last year with a jump of 4.76 meters. South Tyrolean Nathalie Kofler from the SV Lana, who holds the South Tyrol record in the women’s pole vault with a jump of 4.25 meters. The 25-year-old finished third in 2025 with a jump of 4.15 meters and has been a regular competitor at the meet for years.
The international men's field continues to grow
In the men’s division, several other well-known names have confirmed their participation alongside Vloon. Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, who finished second last year with a jump of 5.82 meters and holds a personal best of 5.90 meters, will be competing again, as will the American Carson Waters, who cleared 5.61 meters in Schlanders in 2025 and has a personal best of 5.70 meters. A new face expected to join the field is Croatian Ivan Geronimo Seric, whose personal best stands at 5.62 meters. According to the announcement, athlete manager Johannes Kaserer is continuing to work with his predecessor, Erwin Schuster, to secure the participation of additional top stars.
Lottery as a new attraction for the public
Meanwhile, the organizing committee led by new president Dieter Pinggera has also announced a new feature for the supporting program. Tickets will be available in stores in Silandro in the run-up to the meet, and prizes will be drawn and awarded on the day of the competition. Thanks to two course records, the 2025 edition of the event ranked 20th in the World Athletics rankings of the Special Competitions was achieved—a result that, according to the organizers, has further strengthened the event’s international appeal.
