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Sky's the limit for baby Parnov

 

Sky's the limit for baby Parnov

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AOC
Sky's the limit for baby Parnov

The name Parnov has a rich history in pole vaulting but Liz Parnov is feeling little pressure ahead of October's Commonwealth Games in India.

The name Parnov has a rich history in pole vaulting but Liz Parnov is feeling little pressure ahead of October's Commonwealth Games in India.

Parnov is still in a state of disbelief after winning the national title in Perth last month with 4.40m - the highest-ever jump by a 15-year-old.

The Perth schoolgirl is the daughter of master coach Alex Parnov, who was influential in helping Steve Hooker achieve Olympic and world championships gold.

And while expectations will probably be sky high for Liz by the time the 2012 London Olympics roll around, for now she's just enjoying being the baby of the team.

"I'm just going over (to the Commonwealth Games) to have fun, to do my best and try jump as high as I can," Parnov said.

"It's really just about learning and experience for me because I'm still young.

"I'm not putting pressure on myself to get medals or anything like that.

"Everyone knows I'm young so it's not like they're pushing me to do anything crazy."

It's likely a jump in the 4.60s will be needed to win gold in India but Parnov, who will also compete at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August, isn't aiming for anywhere near that just yet.

"I was kind of close to jumping 4.50 at nationals so I don't think that's unrealistic for this season," she said.

"I don't want to set any limits on how high I can jump."

After also linking up with Alex Parnov, Queenslander Alana Boyd jumped 4.40m at the recent nationals but expects to improve vastly on that mark in India.

"It's a bit of a relief for me to actually make the team," Boyd said.

"I had a bit of a calf problem that was coming from my back which prevented me from competing off a long run up a few weeks out from nationals so I only had one competition off full approach before nationals, which wasn't ideal.

"My best is 4.56 so I would hope to be jumping into the 4.60s this year."

Amanda Bisk clinched the third and final women's pole vaulting spot for the Commonwealth Games, edging out Parnov's sister Vicky with a jump of 4.20m.

AAP

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