Short Interviews
Ben Flint
Great Britain International

Great Britain International

Personal Best 5.40m 1999 age 21

Height 181.5 Weight 76kgs

Q1) Q1 Pole Vault High Point

Winning the AAA's senior indoors... And also warm weather training and times travelling and competing with friends.

Q2 Pole Vault Low Point

Missing out on the commonwealths in Manchester. And the mental pressure later in career recovering from injuries and having fear of an event you love

Q3 Biggest Pole & Highest Grip

5m 190 biggest pole. 4.70 highest grip.

Q4 What are your 3 key factors for success in Pole Vault

A strong unwavering belief in yourself....... a supportive family and friend/coaching unit..... and speed.

Q5 Life after Pole Vault.

When did you know it was time to retire? Was it hard? What did you do after Pole Vault?

I made the decision to retire as mentally and physically I was broken down... Run ups and poles were getting shorter and I was frustrated and depressed.

I probably retired too early and struggled immensely to navigate normal life and jobs, felt a failure and like I had lost my identity. Pretty much did everything to excess to change how I felt and get some adrenaline. Made a lot of wrong selfish decisions.

Work wise I stayed within sport and exercise, I've been a fitness instructor and sports massage therapist, but most importantly a Dad and am trying to be an inspiration not a warning to them.