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Lazaro BorgesCuban athlete, pole vaulter
Date of Birth: 19.06.1986
Country:  Cuba |
Content:
- Lázaro Borges: A Cuban Pole Vault Olympian
- Successes and Records
- A Heartbreaking Disqualification
- The Controversy Behind the Broken Pole
Lázaro Borges: A Cuban Pole Vault Olympian
Early Career and Olympic DebutLázaro Borges, a Cuban pole vaulter, first represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games. Despite his best efforts, he failed to qualify for the finals.
Successes and Records
In 2011, Borges achieved a major milestone by winning a silver medal at the World Championships. His vault of 5.9 meters set a new Cuban record and his personal best, surpassing his previous record of 5.75 meters. Borges further solidified his national dominance by setting a new indoor pole vault record of 5.72 meters at the Pole Vault Stars competition in 2012.
A Heartbreaking Disqualification
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Borges's hopes of reaching the finals were shattered once again. During the qualifying jump at 5.35 meters, his pole snapped in three parts, causing him to fall. Although he escaped serious injury, Borges was unable to clear the height in his remaining attempts.
The Controversy Behind the Broken Pole
Borges's broken pole raised concerns about safety standards. Despite the lack of specific regulations governing pole specifications, organizations prohibit the use of excessively lightweight and therefore fragile poles. While athletes prefer lighter poles, this preference can compromise safety. Experts concluded that Borges's pole likely failed not due to a manufacturing defect, but rather because it was unable to withstand his weight.
