Chloe Timberg, an All-American pole vaulter, won the gold medal on Thursday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, breaking both the meet and school records. Elliot Quow raced from the back of the pack to win the men’s 200, giving the Scarlet Knights their first national track and field championship since 1983.
Timberg achieved a meet record height of 15 feet, 5.5 inches. The outstanding junior repeated her previous career high of 4.60m (15′ 1″) and was the only pole vaulter to attain that height.
With the championship already won, the two-time Big Ten Outdoor Champion set the bar even higher, eventually reaching a record height of 4.71m (15′ 5.5″), more than six inches higher than the next-closest of the 24 participants. Timberg achieved the fourth-highest height in collegiate history after three attempts to surpass the overall NCAA record of 15-6 1⁄4.
“This demonstrated how fantastic of a support system I had around me. Coaches, family, and teammates were there to encourage me throughout some of the most frustrating times, and trust me, there were many of them. It is a special moment to become the athlete that everyone around you have always said you could be, and I am filled with pride as I wear that large R on my chest during these times.”
Chloe Timberg, Rutgers Track & Field
During her time at Central Bucks West, the Doylestown native became the first girl in Pennsylvania to clear 14 feet. As a Scarlet Knight, the junior was named to the First Team All-Big Ten in all three seasons. Timberg was selected the 2024 Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year, in addition to her First Team All-American honors from last season.
“Chloe was unbeatable today.” She’s gotten better with each meeting. I can’t express how proud we are of her, and seeing her accomplish this today has been an incredible highlight of the year. She had the best day of her life when it was most important, and that is what champions do.”
Bobby Farrell, Director of Track and Field and Cross Country.
While many vaulters prefer indoor jumping since there are no variables such as wind or rain, Timberg likes outdoor jumping and has had a few experiences where the wind nearly swept the pole out of her hands.
“I enjoy outdoor activities because they teach me a lot about myself and my ability to deal with difficulties and challenges. I feel like as an athlete, I’ve come a long way in terms of being calm in situations like that. You can see how strong a contender you truly are.
Chloe Timberg
Timberg was sparingly recruited out of high school since he spent the recruiting season under COVID restrictions. Timberg’s club coach was linked to Rutgers coach Carl Porambo, which contributed to the relationship that placed her on the banks. Timberg aims to be a physical therapist, and Rutgers was an excellent academic fit that was also close to home, which she desired.
“Recruiting was a difficult procedure. When I went through the process, I was a 12-9 jumper, and many coaches wanted to see more height. During COVID, you cannot just tell the coach, “I know I can jump a foot higher if given the opportunity.” Coaches rejected me while I was still attempting to believe in myself and my abilities. Rutgers recognized that capacity in me.”
Timberg is Rutgers’ first national winner since 2019, when wrestlers Anthony Ashnault and Nick Suriano won gold in their weight classes. The last Scarlet Knight woman to win an NCAA title in any sport was Alexis Jemal in saber in 2003. Timberg will return to Eugene, Oregon, in three weeks to compete in the United States Olympic Team Trials on Friday, June 28. And, as is customary, she will ring the bell at Old Queens. Congratulations, Chloe!
You can see her record-breaking performance below.
Best in the land 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qmWgrUVrN7
— Rutgers Track & Field/Cross Country (@RutgersTFXC) June 8, 2024
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