As the pole vaulter sprints down the approach, straining to gain speed with every stride he takes, he sees the bar perched high atop the stanchions. He plants his pole, leaps, twists in midair and...
On a good day, if he’s feeling strong and the conditions are right, he’ll clear the bar with plenty of room to spare.
On a bad day – maybe it’s windy and raining – he’ll be off stride on his approach and fall woefully short of the mark.
