Katie Moon

Quick Facts

• Sport: Track and field 

• Specialty: Pole vault 

Biographical Information 

Katie Moon is one of the world's premier pole vaulters and an Olympic champion. She has established herself as a dominant force in the women's pole vault on both the national and international stages. 

Moon's performances, including her gold medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, have reinforced her status as the woman to beat in global pole vault competitions.

Moon practiced gymnastics at a young age, building her love for track and field, citing that her love for adrenaline and upper body strength-related sports made for a perfect transition to pole vaulting. She is very open about previous struggles with body image and credits her strong foundation of family and friends for helping to keep her centered.

Olympic Highlights 

In the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games final, Moon cleared 4.90 meters on her second attempt, a height that proved insurmountable for her competitors. This performance secured her the gold medal, placing her at the pinnacle of her sport.

In the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Katie cleared 4.85 meters, earning her the silver medal.

World Championship Highlights 

Moon's performances at the world athletics championships have showcased not only her technical prowess but also her mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. Her progression through these championships mirrors her overall career trajectory, marked by steady improvement and culminating in world-class performances. 

Katie Moon won silver at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, clearing 4.75 meters. Later that year, she earned gold at the world championships in Eugene with a 4.85-meter vault. She continued her success at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, claiming another gold by clearing 4.90 meters.

At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, Moon made headlines when she and Australian athlete Nina Kennedy decided to share the gold medal rather than continue with a jump-off. They both cleared the 4.90m jump, but missed the 4.95m mark.

Early Career

Moon attended Olmsted Falls High School in Ohio, where she initially focused on diving before transitioning to pole vault. In 2009, she set a state record with a vault of 3.97 meters. She continued her athletic career at the University of Dayton before transferring to Ashland University, where she won two NCAA Division II national titles.

Her transition to the elite level was gradual but steady. Moon made her first major international team in 2013 but didn't break through to the top level until 2018 when she cleared 4.90 meters and established herself as a world-class vaulter.

Olympic Experience

• 2-time Olympian; 2-time Olympic medalist (1 gold, 1 silver)
  • Olympic Games Paris 2024, silver (Pole Vault - Women)
  • Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, gold (Pole Vault - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – gold (Pole Vault - Women)
• Years of participation: Pole Vault - Women 2018, 2019, 2022, 2022, 2023
• Medals: 3 (2 gold, 1 silver)
  • Gold – 2023 (Pole Vault - Women); 2022 (Pole Vault - Women)
  • Silver – 2022 (Pole Vault - Women)