Morgann Leleux, Catholic High LA, won two national championships in two days indoors. First, NIN with a vault of 13-6.25 and then NSIC with a vault of 13-7. Now Morgann is chasing outdoor records and championships. When she isn't occupied with vaulting or gymnastics Morgann boasts an eclectic mix of hobbies that she enjoys. Read on to learn more about Morgann...
MileSplit.us: The outdoor season began before you were done indoors, 13-7. Two indoor championships later, your confidence must be sky-high right now. Your consistency is also amazing, consistently above 13-5 through the end of the indoor season. Are you at a point where those heights are becoming somewhat automatic?
Morgann Leleux: Honestly i think so. I think I finally figured out what pole I need to be on by the height of 13'6".
MileSplit.us: With so much jumping left in the season, where do you see yourself by the end of the year for the vault?
Morgann Leleux: I'm hoping and praying I jump 14'4'' and break the national record by the end of the season. My dad, who is my coach, sees that it's very possible.
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training do you do to prepare for the vault? How much time is spent on technical aspects vs. strength work?
Morgann Leleux: Well I am a six day a week level 10 gymnast. The reason why the vault comes decently easy for me is because of my gymnastics. This year though, I have put six days of training into the vault as well. Mondays and Wednesdays are my run mechanic workouts and slide box work. Tuesdays I actually get to pole vault but after I do a run workout. Thursdays are my swing and strength workouts. Saturday is my off day for pole vaulting. Lastly, Sunday we jump outside. This is my favorite day to workout because we jump outside, usually in nice weather.
MileSplit.us: Are you planning on going to any major invitationals this spring? If so, which ones?
Morgann Leleux: New Balance Nationals in North Carolina and Junior Nationals in California.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable competition to date? Why does this one stand out?
Morgann Leleux: About three years ago, when I was in 8th grade, at the outdoor state meet at LSU, I won the meet and jumped twelve feet as an 8th grader. It was then that everyone saw that Morgann LeLeux is here to pole vault and blow some records out of reach.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Morgann Leleux: I am in gymnastics and dancing, in dancing I do hip hop, jazz, tap, and I do ballet on points. I like to read as much as possible when I can, love going to movies and hanging out with friends. I have a tremendous family and we do something together every Sunday night, usually my Uncle Barry cooks and we all go eat at his house. I love to go mudding with our four wheelers, fish and hunt when I can, and I can't forget that I love to shop.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Morgann LeLeux: Yelena Isinbayeva, her technique is incredible. I really want to look like her in the vault. My dad as well. He was a college vaulter and jumped 17'8", but no offense to him, I am determined to jump 17'9" just to beat him. Hehe.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Morgann Leleux: My mom. She's just an amazing person. She runs our gym business so my dad can coach the vault. She keeps me focused and positive thinking during meets. She's my number one fan and cheerleader, I love her to death.
MileSplit.us: Where do you see yourself long-term in the vault… beyond high school and college?
Morgann Leleux: Hopefully 2012 London Olympics, and definitely a college vaulter. I haven't decided where and I am keeping all options open.
