Swedish pole vaulter Kajsa Roth secured a spot in the European Championship final in Birmingham after clearing 4.50 meters in her final attempt on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, according to reports by Göteborgs-Posten and Expressen. The 20-year-old athlete advanced by setting a new personal best under high pressure, navigating a shaky start at 4.40 meters before changing to a softer pole to clear the deciding height.
The Dramatic Road to the 4.50-Meter Clearance
Kajsa Roth faced elimination early in the qualification round after struggling to clear 4.40 meters. According to Expressen, she landed close to the pit on her first two attempts at that height because she could not compress her pole. Working with her support team, she swapped to a softer pole for her third attempt at 4.40 meters, successfully clearing it before moving on to the finals-qualifying height of 4.50 meters.
Facing a height she had never cleared before, Roth again relied on the adjustment and cleared 4.50 meters on her third and final attempt, despite brushing the rib. According to Göteborgs-Posten, only seven competitors managed to clear the height, earning Roth her place in the final. SVT expert Alhaji Jeng described the mark as a “dream limit” in comments reported by Expressen.
Did you know? Kajsa Roth also set a personal best during her senior championship debut at the World Championships in Tokyo the previous year, continuing a trend of peaking at major international events.
Coping with Nerves Ahead of the Birmingham Final
Speaking to Göteborgs-Posten on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Roth admitted that the adrenaline had still not worn off. She reported getting only a few hours of sleep following the late-night qualification, finding it difficult to wind down after the emotional high of the competition.
“It feels completely crazy. It’s like a dream! I’m still a little jittery,” Roth told Göteborgs-Posten, adding that she remains in shock over the achievement. She noted that wearing the Swedish national team kit and competing on a major international stage provides a completely different level of motivation compared to domestic events like the Swedish Championships (SM).
What to Expect in the European Championship Final
The women’s pole vault final is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, with live coverage broadcast by SVT starting at 19.50. Historically, medals at major European competitions require heights well above 4.70 meters; at the Rome championships two years prior, a medal required 4.73 meters, while Angelica Moser won gold at 4.78 meters.
Roth stated to Göteborgs-Posten that reaching the podium would cause a “short circuit everywhere” and push her into a state of shock. Rather than focusing on specific medal heights, her primary goal for the final is to enjoy the atmosphere and extract everything she has physically left in her body.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kajsa Roth competing in the European Championship final?
The pole vault final takes place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, starting at 19.50, with broadcasts provided by SVT, according to Göteborgs-Posten.
What height did Kajsa Roth jump to reach the final?
Roth cleared a personal best of 4.50 meters on her third attempt to secure her qualification, as reported by Expressen.
Where is the European Championship being held?
The championship events are taking place in Birmingham.
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