Zach Bradford chatted with this journalist after his gold medal win in the men’s pole vault competition at the 2026 USA Track & Field Indoor Championships.
The USA Track & Field Indoor Championships were held on Saturday, February 28th, and on Sunday, March 1st, at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York.
American track and field running legend Steve Prefontaine once said: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” This quote applies to Zach Bradford, 26.
Bradford joins the elite men’s six-meter club in the pole vault
Bradford was able to clear the bar over 6.01 meters on his second attempt, which made him the sixth American pole vaulter to join the six-meter club in the men’s pole vault. His previous lifetime personal best was 5.91 meters.
Bradford left American record holders KC Lightfoot (indoor outdoor record) and Chris Nilsen (indoor national record) tied in second place with a clearance of 5.85 meters (and had to partake in an administrative jump-off).
Bradford on winning his gold medal, being named 2026 indoor national champion
On winning the gold medal and clearing six meters, Bradford remarked, “It felt great! It’s honestly a relief for the shoulders.”
“I’ve cleared 5.90 meters six times already, and I finally made the six-meter barrier. I think I am the 32nd guy to ever clear six meters in the world, so it was a lot of fun,” he acknowledged.
Bradford on the camaraderie in the men’s pole vault
When asked about the camaraderie in the men’s pole vault, Bradford stated, “The camaraderie in the sport is great! Having Chris Nilsen and KC Lightfoot out there was great because they are two American record holders that are pushing me over.”
“Getting all the hugs from all the guys is definitely special for our event, and I definitely feel loved after this week,” he acknowledged.
2026 Mondo Classic
Bradford shared that he is looking forward to competing at the upcoming 2026 Mondo Classic, which is taking place at the IFU Arena in Sweden on March 12th.
“I am very pumped to go to the prestigious Mondo Classic this year,” he exclaimed. “The start-list is loaded with the greatest vaulters, and I’m excited to compete.”
“The atmosphere looks amazing from previous years, and I am hoping for some big bars,” he added.
To learn more about 2026 U.S. indoor pole vault champion Zach Bradford, follow him on Instagram.
Please Note: This journalist was on-site as a credentialed member of the press, and covered the USA Track and Field Indoor Championships in-person.
