National pole vault champion Nor Sarah Adi is approaching the SEA Games with an extraordinary goal: to clear 4.41 metres, a height that would decisively break the existing National Record (NR). The reigning champion, who set a Personal Best (PB) of 4.05m in 2023, is strategically preparing to overcome a recent injury setback and achieve this career-defining height.

To consistently clear such an ambitious height, Sarah and her legendary coach, Roslinda Samsu, are prioritising the run-up.

“For a higher jump, and with only this short amount of time, Coach Roslinda is focusing heavily on my run-up part,” Sarah explained. “The run-up is now longer to develop more speed, which I need to use a longer and stiffer pole. It is now more about a consistent run-up rhythm to make the speed more stable, so my plant and rock-back timing are cleaner. When the approach is consistent, I can go higher with more confidence.”

This focus on power generation is amplified by her rigorous training method. Sarah has been training with a harder, 4.45m specification men’s pole to build power and momentum. “Training with the 4.45m pole is harder; it definitely changes my approach and timing. I must enter with a higher speed and a more accurate plant,” she noted. “Once it clicks with this pole, I will be more confident to perform in Bangkok.”

 

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Overcoming Injury and Trauma
Sarah’s preparation has been marked by mental resilience. Following a severe injury in 2023 that required an operation in 2024, she admitted battling psychological trauma. “After the 2023 injury and 2024 operation, it was very challenging because there was trauma. I had to fight that trauma; it was difficult at the start.” In critical moments, her strategy relies on faith and self-assurance.

The competitive landscape is exceptionally fierce, with regional competitors consistently clearing 4.20 metres. Sarah confirms her target is extremely ambitious: “I am aiming for 4.41m to secure the National Record. I believe that 4.10m is the absolute minimum required to secure any medal.”

Finally, Sarah confirmed a strategic shift to maximise her medal chances, choosing to withdraw from the 4 x 100m relay team to focus solely on Pole Vault for this SEA Games. “For the short period after the operation, I choose to focus only on pole vault first. We still have many great sprint athletes, and I am certain I can reach a higher level in the pole vault event,” she concluded.