Short Interviews
Matt Belsham
Great Britain International

• National U20 British Record Holder 1989

• 1989 European Junior Championships Yugoslavia

• 1990 Commonwealth Games - 10th

• 1998 Commonwealth Games - 4th

• 1991 & 1993 World Student Games (WSG)

• North of England - Senior Men Indoor 50m Sprint Champion - (6.0s) 1993

• Lancashire County - Senior Men 100m Sprint Champion (10.80s) 1992

Personal Best 5.40m indoors, 1996 & 5.35m outdoors age 25

Height 1.89cm

Weight 85kgs

Belsham & Bubka

Pole Vault High points

Representing GB and England for 13 years - 2 Commonwealth Games, 2 WSGs and European Junior Champs.

Pole Vault Low Points

Surgery - Bankart repair and shoulder stabilisation surgery - 1991Surgery - ACL reconstruction - 2002

Biggest pole used

5m (16’ 5”) 205lbs - flex 14.6  - grip 4.90m 

3 key factors for success 

1. (depends what you qualify as success) A good coach, facilities, and use of correct vaulting pole & being in a vault training squad/group.

2. Structured training (incl. rest) to plan for peak performance

3. Mental prep and discipline / having a competitive spirit.

 Life after pole vault

I retired in 2002 after attempting to qualify for the Commonwealth Games that year, during which I suffered a ruptured ACL and a fracture to the calcaneus. Having competed for 15 years, I decided it was time to bring my athletic career to a close.

At the age of 31, I also recognised the increasing challenge of competing against the upcoming generations. I believed that I had done my part for the sport and I had a good innings. The experiences I gained through athletics were invaluable. Traveling to numerous countries around the world to compete and train was a privilege, and the camaraderie among my fellow athletes and meeting same competitors on the circuit was great.  The friendships I formed, the variety of people I met and the stories experienced throughout my vaulting career will be fondly remembered.

Retiring from athletics was not a difficult decision, as I had come to terms with my achievements and future aspirations. I was fortunate to have a solid foundation in my IT career as a fallback option. Many of the traits, knowledge and skills I developed during my time in athletics have certainly contributed to my professional growth. These lessons have been instrumental in my career progression, culminating in my current role as UK Regional Director for a successful US-based IT company.