It might be surprising, or it may not, but there are a large number of elite vaulters that have a background in the sport of gymnastics. Many people say this is because of a gymnasts amazing body-awareness, air sense, and upper body strength and coordination. These are indeed critical skills for pole vaulters, which is probably why many gymnasts have a little bit of head start on the trade. However, I have heard a coach say that more often than not, they’d rather have an amazing long jumper than a gymnast, just because there are only certain things you can teach someone. Anyways, besides other track and field events, gymnastics is a greatly beneficial sport when it comes to pole vaulting.
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
Pole Vault Puelz 