GRAIN VALLEY PUBLISHING (GVP) — In a recent episode of the 'One More Jump Podcast', we're taken on an exhilarating journey through the career of Olympic pole vault champion, Katerina Stefanidi. Alongside her coach and husband, Mitch Krier, Katerina shares her story of resilience and unwavering dedication.

Hosted by Jake Winder, this captivating interview reveals Katerina's inspiring vision for Paris 2024, where she aims to repeat her Olympic glory. Tune in for a dose of determination, grit, and the pursuit of excellence.

In the episode, Katerina recounts her life experiences of hitting rock bottom and the grit required to bounce back. Her real-life story echoes the trials and triumphs of the gritty heroine in the novel 'Maggie Vaults Over the Moon'. Stefanidi wrote the foreword for this novel, about overcoming her own personal obstacles and challenges. For years, higher heights eluded her and the crossbar kept falling down.

As she sets her sights on Paris 2024, Katerina is more than just an Olympic star. She serves as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of gold medal dreamers. Tune into the podcast or watch on YouTube to witness the champion behind the champion – Katerina Stefanidi, a real-life hero vaulting towards greatness.

ABOUT ‘MAGGIE VAULTS OVER THE MOON’

'Maggie Vaults Over the Moon' is a captivating young adult novel that tells the story of Maggie Steele, a determined farm girl who pours her heart into the daring sport of pole-vaulting. The book has been hailed as one of the greatest track and field novels of all time by Citius Mag. KIRKUS REVIEWS calls it "A fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life".

In the book's foreword, Stefanidi tells us to chase our dreams just like the book’s heroine, Maggie Steele.

“I became the person I am today because of all my life experiences, both good and bad. Maggie Steele is a lot like me and you and every person struggling with important life decisions and challenges right now. Like Maggie, our success in life and in sport comes from listening to the voice that whispers to us from within, to get back up and try again!” — Katerina Stefanidi, (from the foreword)

ABOUT KATERINA STEFANIDI

Born under the Hellenic sun, Katerina Stefanidi's journey to Olympic glory began in the historic landscapes of Greece, in the year 2000 at the time of the Sydney Olympics, a pivotal moment when the women's pole vault event was added. This daring event captivated the imagination of Katerina's father, Georgios, who envisioned his daughter's potential in the very sport that had just welcomed women on the world stage.

Katerina's lineage was deeply rooted in athleticism; both her parents, Georgios Stefanidi and Zoi Vareli, were veterans of track and field, their lives intertwined with the spirit of competition and the thrill of the race. With such profound connections, it was only natural for Katerina to bypass the traditional route of local clubs and be ushered directly into the heart of Greek athletics—the federation itself.

As Katerina stepped into the realm of the elite, her youth stood in stark contrast to the seasoned athletes around her, who were often more than a decade her senior. Despite her tender age, Katerina's potential was undeniable. From the very first day she stepped onto the track, the federation coach, with a seasoned eye for talent, recognized the spark within her, proclaiming with certainty that Katerina held the promise of greatness.

Thus began a hero’s journey of epic proportions. At he age of 15, she represented Greece at the 2005 World Youth Championships in Marrakesh, winning the gold medal and setting a championship record of 4.30 m.

Today, Katerina Stefanidi is venerated as the nation’s greatest-ever female athlete, winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and representing Greece in the 2012 London and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Also a gold medal winner at many world athletics championships, Katerina honors the legacy of her forebears and sprinting towards a finale in her career that has been as bright as the Olympic flame itself.

ABOUT JAKE WINDER

Jake Winder, a two-time National Champion and five-time All-American, is the heart and soul behind RISE Pole Vault in Joliet, Illinois. He’s also the founder and host of the One More Jump Podcast, where he interviews the top pole vaulters and coaches of all time, aiding in his mission to spread quality information to vaulters across the world.

After achieving remarkable heights in his career, including a second-place finish at the 2013 USA Championships, Jake dedicated his life to the sport he loves. RISE Pole Vault serves as a sanctuary for the pole-vaulting community in Chicagoland. It’s a place where athletes, supported by top-notch coaching, quality equipment, and a state-of-the-art facility, can push their limits and turn their dreams into reality.