Rens Blom became the first Dutchman to win a global athletics gold medal when he claimed a surprise win in the pole vault at the World Championships. His effort of 5.80m was good enough to give him victory from American Brad Walker (5.75m), with Russian Pavel Gerasimov (5.65m) taking the bronze.
"I've been waiting to jump this well," said Blom. "This was my day. The World Championships has given me wings."
Defending champion Giuseppe Gibilisco of Italy was fifth with 5.50m.
Competing in the arena where Sergei Bubka took the first of six consecutive World Championship golds 22 years ago, Walker and Blom matched each other vault for vault until both cleared 5.75m on their second attempts.
But Blom took command by setting a seasonal best at the next height.
Walker failed once at 5.80m before moving up to 5.85m in an effort to snatch the gold. But he did not get over on his two attempts.
Olympic champion Tim Mack of the US did not take part, having failed to qualify from his national championships.
MMIX
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