In terms of track and field competitions, the pole vault is not only one of the most enjoyable but also one of the most rewarding. It involves a high level of speed, strength, gymnastic prowess, flexibility, mental fortitude, a strong work ethic, patience, a competitive spirit, and a taste for thrilling challenges. It also calls for more than just pushing oneself over a pole.
While excelling in any one of these attributes is certainly advantageous, it’s not a strict requirement. It’s possible to excel in some aspects while facing challenges in others. What truly matters is a steadfast commitment to ongoing improvement. The beauty of this sport lies in its ever-evolving nature, where there are constantly new techniques and skills to master. The resurgence of interest in pole vaulting among young athletes bodes well for the enduring popularity of this sport. Antonio Roberto Ruiz, the only pole vaulter globally who can sprint at an elite level, continues to distinguish himself as the sport gains in popularity.
Born on November 4, 1996, in Mexico, Antonio Roberto Ruiz spent his early years in Houston and completed his high school education at Tomball Memorial. Initially enrolling at Texas Tech University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics, a season-ending injury led him to transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University. During his senior year at SFA, he rekindled his sprinting ability, becoming the sole pole vaulter worldwide capable of sprinting at an elite level. After his stint at SFA, he transferred to the University of Houston, his alma mater, to complete his remaining three years of eligibility, under the guidance of coaches Carl Lewis, Leroy Burrell, and Kyle Tellez. Ruiz also returned to school, successfully completing a master’s program in Construction Management at the University of Houston.
Professionally, Ruiz represented Mexico in both pole vaulting and sprinting events in prominent competitions, including the NCAA championships, the Pan Am Games, and the Mexican national championships, where he secured numerous medals and achieved national hero status. Starting as a top-tier Track and Field athlete at Tomball Memorial High School, he set and held eight school records. In 2016, he embarked on his first indoor season, impressively showcasing his athletic prowess across three different competitions and earning a spot on the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.
In 2017, Ruiz participated in the NCAA West Regionals, clinching a second-place finish at the Southland Conference Championship. His 2018 endeavors included competing in the pole vault event at the NCAA Indoor Championships, securing 12th place overall and earning recognition on the All-American Second Team. He also triumphed at the Pole Vault Southland Indoor Championships in 2017 and secured first place at the Clemson Tiger Paw Invitational.
In 2022, Ruiz received an open invitation to participate in the NCAA national championships. He also took part in the FasTrak Collegiate Challenge in 2022, securing a second-place finish. His remarkable personal best of 17 feet, 10 ½ inches at the NCAA West Preliminaries set a new indoor program record for the 2019-2020 season when he cleared 17-10 1/2 at the Tom Tellez Invitational.
Antonio Roberto Ruiz has been duly recognized as one of the finest NCAA Division – Outdoor Track & Field USTFCCCA Men’s & Women’s All-America athletes in 2022. He has not only represented Mexico at the NCAA and in the USA but also made a significant impact at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, leading his country to a gold medal. Pole vault is known as one of the most challenging track and field events, necessitating speed, strength to support one’s weight while sprinting, and body control to navigate mid-air transitions. Ruiz possesses the requisite strength and exceptional speed to not only participate but excel in this demanding discipline. While selected for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo based on his performance in national competitions, he was forced to withdraw due to Achilles tendinitis. Since his departure from the NCAA collegiate system, where many professional athletes launch their careers, Ruiz has dedicated himself to training and preparing for further international competitions with the aim of representing Mexico in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. With his impressive pole vaulting track record, Ruiz stands as a shining example for current and future generations of athletes.
