We might begin by saying Katie Nageotte is a well-grounded athlete, however seeing as she spends most of her time flying via the air, that wouldn’t precisely be correct.
This uber-talented Olympic pole-vaulter is taking up her first Olympics this yr 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 Staff USA after crushing a career-best vault at 16 toes, 2.75 inches. Not solely is it her private finest, however this top can be formally a U.S. Olympic Staff Trials report.
“It feels wonderful,” 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 should 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 energy to assist swing the wrong way up quicker. Core energy 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 carry within the weight room is an effective barbell clear. She affords 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. Once you soar into it, you’ll be able to carry a lot extra.”
- Preserve your core tight.
- Decide to the motion. “Typically I feel 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 suppose there can be 1,000,000 issues dashing via Nageotte’s thoughts as she arches over the bar. So we requested her what she thinks about whereas in midair.
“Truthfully, midair, not a lot.” she says. “It occurs so quick that you simply don’t have time to suppose midair, so I’m occupied with what I’m making an attempt 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 gasoline is when competing. Nageotte notes that she was very strict together with her weight loss plan 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 number of tips:
- She eats each few hours and eats a half-hour earlier than a exercise.
- She incorporates a great protein and carbs with wholesome fat, vegatables and fruits.
- 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 evening earlier than each competitors,” she says.
Nageotte competes within the Girls’s Pole Vault Last on day 9 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Monitor & Subject Staff Trials. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty Photos
Fast Q&A
Favourite pump-up track? I Did It by DJ Khaled.
In the event you may work out with any athlete, who would it not 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.
Largest inspiration? My coach, Brad Walker.
