It would be hard to find a happier man than Kurtis Marschall at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Of course, adding another global medal to his collection is front of mind, but standing in his way is the greatest men’s pole vault field ever assembled.
Featuring nine of the top 10 men in the world, including Marschall at number three, there are arguably no three medals harder to win in Kujawy Pomorze than gold, silver and bronze in the Men’s Pole Vault.
It is a prospect would intimidate most, but Marschall is like a kid of Christmas morning. The rejuvenated pole vaulter will forever be the 31st man in history to clear six metres in the event, now gunning for his third global medal.
“It might even be the case that you jump six metres and miss out on a medal this year, but if I can put myself in the position to jump as high as I can, I am definitely in medal contention,” Marschall says.
“Every major championship is an opportunity to battle it out with the best in the world and do my best.”
Making his Australian debut at the 2016 Olympic Games, the 28-year-old finds himself in career-best form a decade on, with his 6.00m clearance in Clermont-Ferrand making all the trials and tribulations worthwhile.
“A lifelong goal for mine was just to clear that elusive six metre barrier. And finally, after attempting it around 45 times, I managed to do it,” Marschall says.
“The difference was this time I feel like I was the most relaxed I had ever been attempting it.”
Set to face world record holder Armand Duplantis (SWE) and a rising Emmanouil Karalis (GRE), the two highest pole vaulters in history, Marschall is hunting his first World Indoor medal which would add to his two bronze medals at the World Athletics Championships.
“My new coach Dec [Carruthers] has been monumental in helping me be as relaxed as possible going into this season, along with my team back home who have helped me get into the best shape of my life,” Marschall says.
“There have already been six guys over six metres this year which is the most in history, and there is the potential for more to do so.
“The bar in pole vault is getting pushed higher and higher each year and I just have to keep pushing myself to try and go with it.”
Ahead of the final which will take place at 4:25am AEDT on Sunday (March 22), the Australian pole vaulter signed off in style as he prepares to do battle in the greatest pole vault field ever assembled:
“All eyes are on us right now to see who’s going to come out on top.”
The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland from March 20-22. Australian viewers can watch live and free via 9Go! and 9NOW.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 21/3/2026
