Olympic dream still burns bright for pole vaulter Adam Hague

The Rotherham athlete and recently crowned British Indoor Champion was aiming to secure the one remaining men's place in the GB team in July's qualifiers..

Now his dream has had to be put on hold after the IOC put back the event until 2021 due to the coronavirus.

“We had a survey asking athletes what should happen with the Olympics and I voted to postpone them,” said Adam.

“The IOC said they would make a decision in four weeks but we said we couldn't wait that long just for them to say no. We are really glad the decision was made.

“It's a shame but health comes first.”

At 22, Adam is young enough for the postponement not to have a huge bearing on his Olympic chances.

“I know a few senior athletes who have retired now because they can't go on another year,” he said.  “I am glad I am young and can keep going.

“Is the Olympics still the dream? Yes. It's the same goal, different year.”

City of Sheffield and Dearne AC athlete Adam normally  trains at the EIS in Sheffield but has been keeping fit on the back garden of his home at Kimberworth Park.

“I have been doing my sessions given to me this year, only adapting them," he said. "We haven't got the cable machines and other stuff that is at the EIS but we have been adapting and seeing what we can do and cycling etc just to keep fit.

“I can't vault, that's the only downside, but ten years of vaulting doesn't leave you within a few weeks.”

Now he and other would-be Olympians are waiting to see exactly when this year they will get back into serous competition.

Added Adam: “The European Championships are in Paris at the end of August. They haven't been cancelled yet so that's what we're really waiting on because if they do then the season is done.

“If I can compete then I will, just to avoid having too much time off it.

“We just have to play it as it is and take it day by day.”