Brandon Richards

National high school record-holder in the pole vault[8][citation needed]

What is Brandon Richards known for?

Brandon Richards, an American Track and Field athlete, was born on February 6, 1967. He became well-known in the sport of pole vaulting, setting a national high school record that would remain unsurpassed for 14 years. Born in Santa Barbara, California, USA, Richards attended San Marcos High School, but elected not to compete for the school's team in his senior year. Instead, he established his record at an All-comers track meet in Eugene, Oregon.

Starting to vault at the tender age of five, Richards demonstrated his talent for the discipline early on. By the time he was 18, he had vaulted an impressive 18 ft 2 in (5.54 m), a record that still holds the third-best jump by a high schooler and the best ever by a Californian. Additionally, he set the indoor record in pole vaulting at 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m), which remains the second best ever.

Richards' father, Bob Richards, was a double Olympic Gold Medalist in the pole vault. This sporting prowess was evident in all four of Richards' sons, with Brandon's brothers also excelling at the pole vault. As a junior, Brandon himself was the Texas state champion at Midway High School.

Five years after setting his high school record, Richards vaulted his lifetime best of 18 ft 4.5 in (5.601 m). While this didn't place him among the 19-foot vaulters in the Olympics, it did earn him spot number 260 on the all-time list. After high school, Richards attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is ranked as the tenth-best vaulter in the university's history.

Richards has contributed significantly to the world of pole vaulting, with his high school and indoor records standing testament to his skill and dedication. As a member of a family rich in track and field talent, Richards shaped his own distinct legacy in the sport.

To learn more about his career and achievements, you can visit his Wikipedia page.

Links to the place of birth: Santa Barbara, California, USA