We’d begin by saying Katie Nageotte is a well-grounded athlete, however seeing as she spends most of her time flying by the air, that wouldn’t precisely be correct.
This uber-talented Olympic pole-vaulter is taking up her first Olympics this 12 months on the 2020 Tokyo Video games, and we have now excessive hopes for her — as excessive as she will pole-vault.
Nageotte’s vaulting profession started at Ashland College the place she gained two NCAA Division II nationwide championships. She clenched a spot on Group USA after crushing a career-best vault at 16 ft, 2.75 inches. Not solely is it her private finest, however this top can also be formally a U.S. Olympic Group Trials document.
“It feels superb,” Nageotte says. “I’ve labored actually laborious to make this occur, and it’s superior seeing the laborious work repay.”
How Does She Do It?
As a pole-vaulter, Nageotte focuses on full-body exercises.
“Legs — as we have to be quick and explosive on the runway and into takeoff,” she explains. “Higher physique — to press the pole up and away from you, after which shoulder power to assist swing the other way up quicker. Core power is essential, as nicely.”
A couple of of her go-to workouts embrace the next:
- Legs: Squats and cleans
- Higher physique: Bench, pulldowns and shoulder presses
- Core: Hanging knee raises
Nageotte’s favourite raise within the weight room is an efficient barbell clear. She gives three tricks to perfecting the motion:
- Use your legs. “I used to simply muscle it up with my arms,” she explains, “however that solely will get you up to now. If you bounce into it, you’ll be able to raise a lot extra.”
- Maintain your core tight.
- Decide to the motion. “Generally I believe it’s going to be too heavy,” she says, “but when I commit, I’ll shock myself and get it up.”
As a result of pole vaulting requires all the physique, you’d assume there can be 1,000,000 issues speeding by Nageotte’s thoughts as she arches over the bar. So we requested her what she thinks about whereas in midair.
“Actually, midair, not a lot.” she says. “It occurs so quick that you simply don’t have time to assume midair, so I’m fascinated about what I’m attempting to execute within the run-up after which hope the work I’ve put in and muscle reminiscence will get me over the bar.”
Meals for Thought
Each Olympic athlete is aware of how important correct gas is when competing. Nageotte notes that she was once very strict together with her weight loss program and was depressing due to it. Now she takes a extra relaxed method.
“I simply attempt to be acutely aware about how and what I’m consuming,” she says.
Nageotte follows a couple of tips:
- She eats each few hours and eats a half-hour earlier than a exercise.
- She incorporates a superb protein and carbs with wholesome fat, fruit and veggies.
- She eats solid-size parts till she’s full.
A few of her staples embrace Greek yogurt, eggs and cereal.
“I even have a little bit of dessert the night time earlier than each competitors,” she says.
Nageotte competes within the Girls’s Pole Vault Closing on day 9 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Observe & Subject Group Trials. Picture: Andy Lyons/Getty Photographs
Fast Q&A
Favourite pump-up track? I Did It by DJ Khaled.
For those who may work out with any athlete, who wouldn’t it be? Stacy Dragila within the prime of her vault profession.
Favourite postworkout meal? Sushi.
Morning or night exercises? Night.
Cardio or lifting? Lifting.
Exercise that makes you sweat HARD? Burpees.
Greatest inspiration? My coach, Brad Walker.
