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DAEGU — Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland wrapped his national flag round his body, celebrating victory in the men’s pole vault event at the 13th IAAF World Championships after clearing 5.90 meters, Monday.
But there were few spectators to share his joy taking up the 42,000 available seats at Daegu Stadium that night. With the grandstands virtually empty, Wojciechowski couldn’t find a reason for a lap of honor like the other five gold medalists. The day’s previous winners, Jason Richardson in the men’s 110-meter hurdles; Valerie Adams, women’s shot put; Carmelita Jeter, women’s 100 meters; Amantle Montsho, women’s 400 meters; and Koji Murofushi, men’s hammer, all celebrated with the spectators with their national flags draped around their shoulders. They had huge smiles while hearing the cheering of the fans.
Many spectators left the venue after watching Jeter of the U.S. capture the gold in a time of 10.90 seconds.
The men’s pole vault was completed around 10:15 p.m., 30 minutes after the women’s 100-meter final ended.
But the fans were impatient, even though public transportation — subway and buses — are running extended hours during the games. The organizing committee’s shuttle bus runs for two hours after the last event’s finishing time.
The nights are hot and muggy but the spectators should have a little more interest in the sweat and blood the athletes put in to compete on the world biggest athletic stage.
The Pole was neck-and-neck with Lazaro Borges of Cuba, and Renaud Lavillenie of France. Lavillenie, the current European champion, was successful in all three attempts from 5.65 meters until he failed to clear 5.90.
Wojciechowski cleared 5.90 on his second attempt while the Cuban made it on his third for a national record and that extra try changed the color of the medal he would take home.
The venue for the world’s top track and field meet is filled in the morning sessions when mostly heats and qualifiers take place. Large groups of elementary and middle school students head to the stadium and fill the seats.
They receive a group discount and come to the stadium, imbuing it with a festive mood. Yetwith the sizzling temperatures, the students struggle to find shade and finally leave.
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