Olivia McTaggart won the AIMES Emerging Talent Award in 2017 for her achievements in pole vaulting. Since then, The former Takapuna Grammar School student has continued to build her experience in the sport and she has set some big targets for the future. Channel's Nikki Davidson caught up with her...
Have you always been interested in pole vaulting? What inspired that interest or how did it develop?
I started pole vaulting when I was 14 years old after I got devastating news that I had to quit gymnastics due to a back injury. My teammate had started six months earlier than me and I followed her into it. The combination of my coach Jeremy’s gymnastics background and mine, made for a smoother transition into the compatible sport. Since then my passion for the sport has only grown and I have become more and more interested in pole vaulting and all the technical aspects involved.
Why did you apply for an AIMES award?
I applied for the AIMES award so that I could help fund my European season. Each year we have to travel to Europe so that we can compete against our competition. This can be an expensive few months and having that support backing me helps a lot, not just with money but also a sense of community and support for my future seasons.
Please tell us your reaction when you learned you had won the award? What opportunities did winning it offer to you?
My reaction if anything was pure relief and excitement! Having that funding backing me into the season meant I didn’t have to find a job and work whilst training full time which would’ve affected my training. The opportunities meant that I could go to more competitions not only in Germany but also in Cardiff, Belgium, and Finland etc.
Since winning, has your focus shifted? If so, why? If not, how have you continued to work to develop your skills?
My focus hasn’t shifted since day one with the goal always being to make it to the Olympics and I will not stop until that is secured. I have continued to work on various technical aspects of the jump to become a more powerful and well-rounded athlete on and off the field. Although since receiving a scholarship I have also learnt more about the business and sponsorship side of the sport.
What are your ambitions for the next year, three years, and longer term?
This next year I am focusing on qualifying for Doha World Championships, placing at World University games and gain as many points as I can leading into Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifications. Three years down the track I want to be competing at diamond leagues all across the circuit and be a competitor at the World Championships both indoor and outdoor. The ultimate goal is to be an Olympic champion.
