Soaring high in the Florida sun, Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi cleared 15 feet at the Pole Vault in Paradise event held Jan. 6th at Key West High School stadium. (All Photos by Rob D’Avellar).

Sunblock was a must on a radiant Saturday in Key West, Florida, where the Pole Vault in Paradise event took place on January 6. Olympic Champion Katerina Stefanidi of Greece and Olympian Anicka Newell of Canada shone brightly. Both athletes soared over 15 feet, sharing the top spot on the podium and the $5000 prize.

Olympians Katerina Stefanidi and Anicka Newell share a radiant moment with Maggie. The first 100 registrants received copies of the novel, with a foreword by Stefanidi herself. (Photo by Rob D’Avellar).

The event drew over 100 vaulters to the nation’s southernmost point, ranging from young enthusiasts to seasoned masters. Aptly promoted as "The Perfect Winter Vacation," the celebration captured the family-friendly, dynamic spirit of the sport.

An additional highlight was the presence of Maggie Steele, heroine of the young adult sports novel "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon." Thanks to the event organizer, Steve Hanes, the initial 100 registrants received copies of the novel by Grant Overstake, featuring a foreword written by the event’s co-champion, Katerina Stefanidi herself.

"It was truly a banner day for Maggie!” said the author, who was overjoyed to see the novel flying high on the welcome banners. Personifying Maggie’s positive message, Stefanidi happily posed and signed autographs after the event.

Spectacular images were captured by the sport’s iconic photographer Rob D'Avellar, whose photos have attracted more than 1.3 million views on his platform.

Key West raised the banner for the heroine of pole-vaulting, Maggie Steele. (Photo by Rob D’Avellar).

The author was elated when Hanes, a Kansas native, reached out to him to order 100 books for the event. Hanes, a remarkable individual with a history as a record-setting high school vaulter, was keen on introducing the book to as many new readers as possible. His frequent attendance at the Kansas state meet, which mirrors the heroine's journey in the story, added a personal touch to his enthusiasm for the book.

In addition to his tireless duties as event organizer, Key West Track Club Coach Steve Hanes, 68, took his turns on the runway himself, vaulting 2.95m (4.95 age graded) and exceeding the All-American Master’s Standard in his age group. (Photo by Rob D’Avellar).

Soaring Across Distances: Maggie's Journey from Grain Valley to Mallory Square

Leaving frigid Midwest weather, Maggie crossed the Seven Mile Bridge to Mallory Square, some 1,700 miles from her fictional home in Grain Valley, Kansas. Competitors vaulted on two elevated runways on the football field in flights based on their ability and starting heights. The top three finishers in the men's and women's open divisions received prize money.

Competition Highlights: Winners and Performances at the Pole Vault Event

Joining Stefanidi and Newell was Megan Houston in third and Mackenzie Beukes, who was fourth. On the men’s side, a trio of Americans led the way: Olen Oates won, Austin Miller was second, and Cody Waters was third. Jorge Luna of Mexico placed fourth.

Adding to the excitement of the friendly competition, the event was tabulated using the age-graded scoring method, which takes into account the ages of the competitors, much like a handicap in golf. See results.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon"

“Maggie Vaults Over the Moon” is the story of a courageous farm girl who overcomes tragedy and soars to new heights as a pole-vaulter. The book has been endorsed for its positive message, and was named one of the best-ever Track & Field novels by CITIUS MAG.

In addition to Stefanidi’s foreword, the book has discussion questions created for young readers by Dr. Melissa White, a Language Arts Teacher, Track Coach, and Mental Performance Consultant with a doctorate in sports psychology. She coached current Team USA pole vaulter Bridget (Guy) Williams at Hempfield (PA) High School.

Overstake, who was once a sportswriter for The Miami Herald in South Florida, has penned two award-winning novels for teens: “Maggie Vaults Over the Moon” and “The Real Education of TJ Crowley”.

Get your copy of “Maggie” today in paperback, ebook, or audio by Tavia Gilbert, available at Amazon and wherever books are sold online.

Add “Maggie Vaults Over the Moon” to your next event! Contact Grain Valley Publishing to learn more about “Maggie Awards”.

Katerina and Maggie Soar at Sunny Key West Paradise Vault