Colin Johnson

Colin Johnson has a big why.

Colin was a busy swimmer throughout high school who did track and field for fun. Until February of his senior year, Colin showed up to practice sporadically.

At the 2022 NCHSAA Indoor State Championships, 2 A division, Colin improved to 11’6”. He then hightailed it from Winston- Salem to Cary, North Carolina, a 2-hour drive, to compete in the state meet for swimming the next morning.

Bouyed by his improvement, Colin realized his potential in the pole vault. He started attending practice regularly. Then this happened:

Colin’s improved his personal best from 11’6 to 15’ in the next 3 months. He qualified for the Championship section of Adidas Outdoor Nationals!

Colin was not done. Though he hoped to synergize with a college to continue his vault career, time was short and he did not find the best match. He graduated from Nash Central High School, registered for community college, and continued training at the club.

“At Pole Vault Carolina, we look for heart, character, and leadership on and off the runway and Colin exemplifies this. He is the first athlete at a meet and the last to leave. He cheers for everyone who goes before him, and is still energized to perform his best late in the evening when the crowd has dwindled.” says Coach San Miguel.

Colin is not interested in wasting time or money. He works 30 hours a week to pay for his practice sessions. In March of 2023, on some new longer, heavier ESSX poles, Colin jumped 15’8”, 16’, and 16’2” in the same meet.

Colin is the kind of athlete we love to root for!