Steve Hooker of Australia wins men's pole vault gold

Steve Hooker of Australia jubilates during the men's pole vault final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Steve Hooker won the title with 5.96 metres and set a new Olympic record.


Steve Hooker of Australia has won the gold medal in the men's pole vault, Australia's first in track and field at the Beijing Olympics.

Hooker cleared 5.90 (19-4 1/4) on his third attempt in Friday night's final, immediately after world indoors champion Yevgeniy Lukyanenko of Russia had failed at his last attempt on the same height and took silver at 5.85 (19-2 1/4).

Hooker cleared 5.96 (19-6 1/2) after clinching the gold medal, beating the Olympic record by 1 centimeter (a half inch).

Denys Yurchenko of Ukraine cleared 5.70 (18-8 1/4) and still was eligible at greater heights but withdrew with an injury and settled for bronze.