Yarisley Silva won Great City Games

World indoor champion Yarisley Silva was happy to sit out the opening height, 4.10m, as the rain, cold and particularly the gusting wind disrupted the other four vaulters. It took eleven attempts for anyone to register a clearance, Germany’s Katharina Bauer succeeding with her third attempt. Italy’s Roberta Bruni and 2014 runner-up Kristina Gadschiew both bowed out but NCAA champion Melissa Gergel also nailed 4.10m at the final attempt. Gergel proceeded to clear 4.20m first time and was in the box seat until Silva succeeded at the third time of asking.

Bauer failed with one shot at 4.30m after two blanks at 4.20m and Gergel also bowed out at 4.30m. Silva, who wore tights and a thermal top throughout, produced a Midas touch with her third attempt at 4.30m. That proved to be the clincher for the Cuban, who had the bar raised to 4.50m but without any joy.

“It was my first competition of the year and the conditions made it very difficult,” said Silva. “I was happy to be so close to the crowd. It is a great competition, with all the music too. I would love to have a street event like this in Havana.”