Marie-Julie Bonnin clinches European Championships berth with French pole‑vault win

At the French Athletics Championships in Albi, world indoor pole‑vault champion Marie‑Julie Bonnin secured her place for the European Championships in Birmingham (10‑16 August) by winning with a clearance of 4.60 m, just meeting the qualifying minimum.

The competition was affected by rain and a rotating wind. Bonnin, 24, said “I won against life.” Former training partner Margot Chevrier placed second with 4.55 m, her best jump since a severe ankle fracture in March 2024. Bonnin, who holds the French record (4.76 m) and recently changed coaches to Damien Inocencio in Clermont‑Ferrand, highlighted the technical adjustments made during the season.