MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 June 2026 - Russian pole vaulter Polina Knoroz has set a new personal best of 4.91 metres at the Russian Athletics Cup in Cheboksary, moving to the top of the women's pole vault season list.

World Athletics has accepted the result as the top women's outdoor pole vault performance of the season.

Knoroz has now set the world-leading mark twice in the same month. On 7 June, at Athletics Week in Moscow, she cleared 4.87m – accepted by World Athletics on 18 June after a review of equipment certification. Her 4.91m clearance in Cheboksary on 20 June improved that mark.

The result places Knoroz ahead of Hana Moll of the United States (4.88m) and Molly Caudery of Great Britain (4.85m) in the overall season list – both marks set indoors. Among outdoor performers, Knoroz leads ahead of American Amanda Moll (4.84m). Knoroz has also topped her own 2025 best of 4.86m, which placed her third in the world that year.

"My goals are five metres and then the world record," Knoroz said. "Every time I compete, I want more. I can't wait to get out there on the international stage and go up against the best in the world."

The Russian Athletics Cup was held at the Olympic Stadium in Cheboksary from 18 to 21 June, bringing together over 600 athletes from 72 regions of the country.

"Week by week, we see new records being set by our talented athletes. This is yet further proof that we are on the right track for strengthening and developing our sport in Russia. We have been and will remain among the best in the world," said Petr Fradkov, chairman of Russian Athletics.

"Polina is exactly the kind of athlete who belongs at the World Championships and the Olympics," Fradkov said. "She draws fans, sponsors and broadcasters. That is good for the sport everywhere. When athletes like her are missing, everyone loses out."