John Uelses

John Hans Uelses (born Hans Joachim Feigenbaum; July 14, 1937 – December 15, 2022) was an American pole vaulter. He made history by becoming the first man to vault over 16 feet – on February 2, 1962, at the Millrose Games in New York's Madison Square Garden, before a sold-out crowd, Uelses soared over the bar at 16' 1/4", making headlines around the world.

John Uelses
Uelses in 1962
Personal information
Birth nameHans Joachim Feigenbaum
Born(1937-07-14)July 14, 1937
Berlin, Germany
DiedDecember 15, 2022(2022-12-15) (aged 85)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Sport
SportAthletics
EventPole vault
Achievements and titles
Personal best4.99 m (1964)

At the Boston Games, he broke his own indoor record, clearing the bar at 16' 3/4." His record-breaking jump in Madison Square Garden was upheld and both records stood. In the spring, the Marine Corps approved his travel to compete at the outdoor meet at Santa Barbara Relays in California. Uelses set a new world outdoor record at 16' 3/4". He would go on to achieve many more.

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