Born: 1971 (Auburn, California)
Biography:
Stacy Renée Mikaelson, known as Stacy Renée Dragila, was born on 25 March 1971 in Auburn, California. Raised in Auburn, which is located northeast of Sacramento, she grew up with a passion for sports and athletics. However, her childhood asthma forced her to give up gymnastics, a sport she loved. Undeterred, she turned her attention to track and field. Dragila attended Placer High School, where she excelled in various events including volleyball and track events such as sprinting, hurdling, and jumping.
During her time at Placer High School, Dragila received coaching from John Orognen, who was associated with Yuba Community College. She showcased her talent and determination by competing in the 300 meters hurdles at the CIF California State Meet, although she did not place. In 1990, she achieved second place at the Golden West Invitational in the 400 meters hurdles, demonstrating her growing potential.
In 1995, Dragila graduated from Idaho State University (ISU), where she further honed her athleticism. She competed in the heptathlon, displaying her versatility across multiple events. It was during her time at ISU that Dragila was introduced to pole vaulting by her coach, who had been a vaulter himself. She embraced the sport and participated in some of the earliest sanctioned women’s pole vault competitions.
Dragila’s dedication and talent propelled her to success. She made history when she won the women’s pole vault competition at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials. Although women’s pole vault was a demonstration event at the Trials and not included in the official program of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Dragila’s achievement was a significant milestone for the sport.
The following year, in March 1997, Dragila secured her first indoor world record by winning the pole vault competition at the Indoor World Championships with a height of 4.48 meters (14 feet 8 inches). She continued to break barriers and set records throughout her career. At the 1999 outdoor World Championships, Dragila won the gold medal and set her first outdoor world record, clearing a height of 4.60 meters (15 feet 1 inch).
Over the course of her career, Dragila set or tied the indoor world record eight times and the outdoor world record ten times, showcasing her exceptional skill and consistency. Her remarkable achievements culminated in winning the first-ever women’s pole vault Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. The victory showcased her extraordinary talent and cemented her status as a pioneer and trailblazer in the world of women’s athletics.
Despite her numerous achievements, Dragila continued to strive for excellence. She made her final major championship appearance at the 2009 World Championships. While she didn’t progress to the pole vault final, she demonstrated her enduring passion for the sport with a jump of 4.25 meters (13 feet 11+1/2 inches).
Dragila’s impact on women’s pole vaulting extends beyond her record-breaking performances. She became an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking accomplishments. Her contributions to the sport led to her induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2014, a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable career.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist (2000)
– Multiple World Champion
– Inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame (2014)