Molly Caudery’s Journey To World Athletics Championships Glory

Molly Caudery’s unique challenge transporting poles to Tokyo

British pole vault star Molly Caudery faces more than just competition anxiety as she prepares for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. One of the most demanding aspects of her sport is the logistics of transporting her poles internationally, a challenge often overlooked by fans and commentators alike.

Elite poles can exceed five metres in length, making them cumbersome and difficult to travel with. Molly often ties her poles to the roof of her car when travelling within the UK, but airlines frequently refuse to carry such oversized equipment. This creates a complex logistical puzzle that requires careful planning and persistence.

Caudery revealed to Sky Sports that British Athletics played a crucial role in coordinating flights that could accommodate her gear. "Sometimes we have to take detours around the world to get to places," she said, "but I actually got really lucky and got on a direct flight to Tokyo with my poles."

The impact of travel logistics on pole vault performance

Transporting poles isn’t just a physical hassle; it can also affect an athlete’s mental preparation. The stress of ensuring the poles arrive safely and on time adds an extra layer of pressure before competition even begins. Molly jokingly suggested a dedicated "pole carrier" role, highlighting how exhausting this aspect can be.

Despite these challenges, Molly’s successful arrival in Japan with her poles intact allows her to focus fully on the competition ahead. This logistical victory sets a positive tone as she aims to improve on her previous performances.

Molly Caudery’s comeback after Olympic heartbreak

At 25, Molly is determined to bounce back from the disappointment of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she failed to clear a height in the qualifying rounds despite entering with one of the highest marks. She views the World Championships as an opportunity to prove her resilience and talent on the global stage.

Earlier this year, Caudery managed a minor calf injury which forced her to skip several competitions. However, she credits this break with allowing her to recover fully and return fresher for the key events in 2025. "It's not been the perfect season, but I feel like I've bounced back just in time," she said.

Her recent performances support this optimism. At the British Championships, she cleared an impressive 4.85m to claim the title and followed this with a strong second-place finish at the prestigious Memorial Van Damme Diamond League event in Brussels.

Building confidence through consistent results

These competitive results demonstrate Molly’s steady form. She has consistently cleared heights of 4.80m to 4.85m in recent meets, signalling she is in shape to challenge her British record of 4.92m. She hinted that she has held back slightly to protect her body but is now ready to push her limits in Tokyo.

Setting sights on medals at the World Athletics Championships

While the Olympics remain her ultimate dream, Molly places immense value on winning medals at outdoor World Championships. Having won a World Indoor title previously, she views outdoor success as a higher accolade due to the sport’s prestige and conditions.

She emphasises the importance of focusing on qualification first before thinking about the final. "Once I hopefully get there, I'll just give it everything," she said. This mindset reflects her maturity and determination after learning from past setbacks.

Lessons from previous championships

Molly’s breakthrough came at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where she finished fifth. Although she fell short of a medal, the experience boosted her confidence and provided valuable lessons for future contests.

She also acknowledges the physical toll of competing while ill in Budapest, which makes her current fitness and form even more encouraging. This season’s careful management of injuries and competition load is a strategic move to peak at exactly the right moment in Tokyo.

The broader context: British athletics and pole vaulting

Molly Caudery is part of a growing tradition of British pole vaulters making an impact internationally. The sport demands a unique combination of speed, strength, and precision, alongside the logistical hurdles of equipment transport.

Her story highlights not only athletic excellence but also the behind-the-scenes challenges athletes face. Such insights enrich our appreciation of the sport’s complexity, similar to how understanding the nuances of football transfers or cricket dominance adds depth to fans’ knowledge, as discussed in Premier League and beyond key football transfers September 2025 and What Australia’s dominance means for women’s cricket in The Hundred.

Conclusion: What to expect from Molly Caudery in Tokyo

Molly Caudery’s journey to the World Athletics Championships is a testament to perseverance both on and off the field. Overcoming logistical headaches, injury setbacks, and previous disappointments, she is primed to make a strong impact.

Her ability to consistently clear heights near her personal best bodes well for medal contention. Fans and followers of British athletics should watch closely as she competes during the early hours of Monday UK time, bringing excitement and hope for Team GB.

Ultimately, Molly embodies the spirit of elite sport — resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence despite obstacles. Her story adds a compelling chapter to the rich tapestry of British athletics.