Feb 13, 2015

Paulo Benavides of El Paso Franklin, Texas set the National High School Record in the pole vault last weekend with his clearance of 17 feet, 11 inches. 2015 is truly the #YearoftheVault as Deakin Volz of Bloomington, Ind. set the standard on the same day. Don't expect Benavides, a University of Kansas signee, to let that mark stand for too long. The Texan competes at the 108th NYRR Millrose Games this Saturday in New York City, where he could look at 18 feet.

Congratulations on breaking the National High School Record! 17-11 was a personal best by more than four inches. Did you surprise yourself with the mark or were you expecting to go for the record this weekend?

This weekend was the third competition in a row that I attempted the record and every week I felt that I was getting closer and closer so I was pretty confident going into the meet that I had a good chance at taking down the record but it is still surprising to actually make the bar so I got pretty fired up!

Deakin Volz of Bloomington South, Ind. actually broke the record before you did on Saturday with a 17-10.5 clearance. Did you know this before/during your competition? How did that affect you?

I actually found out on the drive up to Albuquerque about his jump which was good for me because I probably would have put the bar to 17'10.5"!

You will compete in the NYRR Millrose Games this weekend. How does it feel to be invited to the historic event?

I'm so thankful to have such a great opportunity to jump in this prestigious meet! Getting to be a part of this historic meet means a lot to me. I'm really excited for this opportunity!

Have you ever competed in or visited New York before? How long will you stay in the city? Do you plan to do any touristy activities? What events are you most excited to watch at the meet?

I've never competed in New York so I'm really looking forward to it! I'll be there for a couple days so I'm sure I'll have time to see a few things. I'm really looking forward to watching the Women's Pole Vault! That should be a fun competition to watch!

What does your meet schedule look like and what are your goals for the rest of the year? Will we see you at New Balance Indoor Nationals at the New York Armory in March?

I have a couple indoor meets left after Millrose including New Balance Indoor! I want to raise the indoor record as much as I can and just continue improving on my jump. Outdoor I have Texas Relays, local meets with my school, State, Great Southwest, New Balance Outdoor and USA Juniors and some smaller meet in between those. I hope to break the national record outdoors and just set myself up to have a good season next year as well.

How did you first get your start in pole vault? What is your athletic background?

My dad got me started after I saw some stuff on him back when he jumped so I told him that pole vault was what I wanted to do. I've been running and doing other events in track for a long time and started leaning more towards pole vault in 7th grade but still kept up with a few other events.

How would you describe your pole vault technique and style?

I would say I have more of a tuck and shoot jumper. I feel it's a that fits how my body is built and with my strengths and weaknesses.

Are there any professional vaulters who you try to emulate? If so, who?

Vaulters I like to watch videos of and try to emulate certain parts of their jumps are Thierry Vigneron, Renaud Lavillenie, Peirre Quinon and Joe Dial. I feel like their jumps are similar to things I'm trying to do in my jump.

You are coached by your father, Paul Benavides. What is his background in pole vault? Do you have a pit in your backyard? Can you describe the dynamic of a father-son coaching relationship?

I love working with my dad! He jumped 5.72 and went to a couple of World Championships. The knowledge and experience he has in the sport is a huge advantage I have in him coaching me. It's a special type of relationship and I'm lucky to get this opportunity to work with him. I wouldn't be where I am right now without him! He is one of the best out there

How closely do you follow the collegiate and professional pole vaulting scene? What do you think of the #YearoftheVault hype, with records going down so early in the season?

I follow all levels of pole vaulting really closely! It's awesome to see so many people doing so well this early in the year! #YearoftheVault doesn't sum up how big this is for our sport!

Congratulations on signing with the University of Kansas. How did you make your college decision and what other schools were you considering?

Thanks! I took my visits to Houston, ORU, A&M, Kansas and Texas as well as an unofficial to UTEP. Trying to decide which school was going to be the best fit for me was the toughest decision I've ever had to make. I felt that Kansas would give me a good chance to continue improving and get me closer to my goals. Coach Hays is a great coach and I feel like we can work well together and achieve great things.

What do you plan to major in as a student at Kansas?

I plan to major in Kinesiology.

You represented Team USA at the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships in Ukraine. How did that experience impact you as an athlete and as a person?

That was one of the best experiences I've had since I've started jumping. I made a lot of friends on that trip from not just Team USA but from all over the world. It taught me a lot about competing and what's it's like competing at a such a meet.

Do you have any funny stories or unique moments from competing in Ukraine?

When we first checked into our hotel over one of the runners had to wash his face and the rooms had a bidet in the bathroom but he didn't know what it was so he washed his face in there and those of us that knew were laughing so he ended up telling him what it was but that wasn't until after he did that

What is one thing that people may be surprised to know about you?

It is possible for me to compete for the Netherlands

What was your childhood dream?

It is the same dream I have now, to compete in the Olympics!

If you had a day completely free of obligations, what would you do?

I would just hang out with my family and maybe go pole vault a little!

What is your most embarrassing pole vault or athletics-related moment?

I'd have to say when I tried to swing Giants on a high bar for the first time, it didn't go as I expected!

SHORT ANSWERS!

What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Oatmeal, a banana, and yogurt!

Pre-meet pump-up song: Memories by David Guetta and Kid Cudi

Favorite post-race meal: Mexican food