Fixsen captures national crown in women’s pole vault

AUSTIN, Texas – Julia Fixsen captured Virginia Tech’s 22nd individual national championship in school history Thursday night, winning the women’s pole vault with a personal-best 14-7 ¼ clearance on her first attempt.

The junior entered NCAAs ranked 10th in the event but saved her best performance of the season for the national stage. She led a quartet of Hokies that finished in the top 15 of the event. Kenna Stimmel, the ACC indoor champion in the pole vault, placed eighth on Thursday after clearing 14-1 ¼. Journey Gurley (tied for 13th) and Hayley Horvath (15th) rounded out the Tech contingent competing in the event.

Fixsen’s national title gives the Hokies two in 2023, as Youssef Ramadan of men’s swimming and diving won gold in the 100-meter butterfly in March.

In the women’s hammer throw, Tech first-year Barbora Stejfova secured All-America honorable mention with her 23rd-place showing. She unleashed a 59.65m (195-8) mark on her second attempt.

 

Gallery: (6-8-2023) 2023 WOMENS T&F NCAA OUTDOOR CHAMPS 1