Brazilian Teen Sensation Laura Zago Breaks South American U18 Record in Pole Vault

Rising Brazilian athletics star Laura Zago, just 17 years old, stunned spectators and coaches alike by breaking the South American U18 record in the pole vault, clearing 4.25 meters at the 2024 Troféu Brasil de Atletismo Juvenil, held this weekend in São Paulo. The mark places her among the top five U18 athletes globally this season and sets her on a fast track toward world-level success.

The performance not only earned Zago gold in the competition, but also secured her spot in Brazil’s delegation for the upcoming World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

A Vault Into History

Zago entered the competition as a favorite, having steadily improved her marks over the last year. But her 4.25m clearance, achieved on her second attempt, exceeded all expectations and shattered the previous South American record of 4.18m set by Argentina’s Fiorella Chiappe in 2017.

After landing on the mat and realizing the bar had stayed up, Zago was overcome with emotion, covering her face and embracing her coach, Marina Moretti, on the runway.

“I didn’t think about records — I just wanted to fly,” Laura said in her post-competition interview.
“This is just the beginning. I want to represent Brazil with everything I’ve got.”

The Product of Long-Term Vision

Zago’s record is the result of years of investment in youth athletics by the Brazilian Athletics Confederation (CBAt). Originally from Curitiba, Paraná, she was recruited into CBAt’s national youth development program at age 13 and has trained at the Centro Nacional de Atletismo in Bragança Paulista since 2021.

Coach Moretti highlighted Zago’s discipline, fearlessness, and technical maturity as key factors in her rapid progression.

“She has a gymnast’s control, a sprinter’s speed, and a fighter’s mindset. That’s a rare combination,” Moretti explained.

Eyeing the Global Stage

With her qualification secured, Zago now shifts focus to the World U20 Championships, where she will face the best junior athletes from the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She’s also being considered for pre-selection into Brazil’s senior team for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo — an ambitious but increasingly realistic path.

To prepare, Zago will:

• Attend a high-performance training camp in Spain, alongside South American elite vaulters.
• Work with a sports psychologist to manage competition anxiety.
• Undergo strength and technique refinement with CBAt biomechanics specialists.

Inspiring a New Generation

Zago’s breakthrough is already resonating with young athletes across Brazil. Her story has been featured on national sports programs, and her social media following has doubled in just a few days.

She’s particularly passionate about encouraging more girls to try pole vaulting, a discipline still underrepresented among Brazilian youth, especially outside major urban centers.

“If I can do it coming from a small club in Paraná, so can anyone. We just need the chance to try,” she posted on Instagram.

The CBAt is now exploring the launch of a “Laura Project”, a grassroots initiative aimed at increasing participation of girls in jumping events across all Brazilian regions.

Conclusion: Sky’s the Limit

Laura Zago’s record-breaking vault in São Paulo isn’t just a personal triumph — it’s a leap forward for Brazilian athletics, youth sport development, and gender representation in track and field.

As she continues to soar — literally and figuratively — one thing is certain: Brazil has found its next pole vault star, and she’s just getting started.