2022 Moments of the Year
To finish off 2022, we're going to countdown the MileSplit TN Top 10 Moments of the Year. As you'll see throughout the countdown, last year was filled with incredible drama, can't miss racing, and record breaking performances. Enjoy. Check back in between now and January 1st, 2023 for all the moments that made the year unforgettable.
Culp, Nichols Clear 16' In Vault
Prior to 2022, only three male vaulters had ever cleared the sixteen foot barrier indoor and outdoor combined and no two vaulters had ever done so in the same calendar year. The vaulters were as follows:
Vaulter | Year | Indoor | Outdoor |
| 2014 | 16-8 | 16-6 | |
| 2017 | 16-1 | - | |
| 2007 | 16-0.75 | - |
Last year, two vaulters from Middle Tennessee joined this elusive club.
First, FRA's Payton Culp set a new Tennessee State Indoor HS Championship record with this clearance of 16-0.25"
In the spring, Culp would clear 15-7 outdoors and go on to win the Division II Class A Pole Vault State Title helping Franklin Road secure the team title. Culp now attend Belmont University.
The vaulter that finished behind Culp at the State Indoor Championship was Kyler Nichols of Green Hill. At his home track at the Section 3 Class AAA Sectional Qualifier, Nichols became just the second Tennessean ever to clear the 16 foot mark outdoors.
Nichols would take three attempts at 16-6.25 after this clearance but would fall short at a state record. He would go on to win the Division I Class AAA State Title a couple of weeks later. Obviously he will return this season as the number one vaulter with only one goal I imagine on his mind. Can't wait.
