Yikes! Pole Vaulter’s Pole Snaps Mid-Vault [VIDEO]

Russian pole vaulter Dmitry Starodubtsev got quite the shock at the IAAF World Championships in South Korea over the weekend when the tool of his trade snapped right in the middle his attempt to clear a 5.75-meter bar.

After the pole snaps in two, Starodubtsev just barely lands on the mat, avoiding would could have been a serious injury. It’s what we fear could happen when a pole vaulter takes off, but very rarely does.

[via Deadpin]