Above & Beyond: Tim Mack, the Pole Vault, and the Quest for Olympic Gold

by Bill Livingston
Friday August 15, 2008, 3:45 PM

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ABOVE & BEYOND" by Plain Dealer sports columnist Bill Livingston tells the story of Tim Mack, a graduate of St. Ignatius High School.

As a pole vaulter, Mack didn't even make the state meet in high school. But his performance rose steadily, at Malone College in Canton and the University of Tennessee. He surprised the world with a win at the Goodwill Games in 2001, and set an Olympic record in winning the gold medal in 2004.

Livingston's book, from the Kent State University Press, puts Mack's accomplishments in the context of the dangerous and demanding sport of pole vaulting. He touches on the careers of some of the sport's legends, from the only two-time Olympic winner, Rev. Bob Richards, to the flamboyant but injury-prone Sergey Bubka.

Beginning today, The Plain Dealer offers online excerpts from "Above & Beyond," tracing Tim Mack's life and explaining the risks and challenges of the sport he pursues. New excerpts will be published online every day through Tuesday, Aug. 19.

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COMMENTS (1)Post a comment

Posted by DanFerry on 08/17/08 at 4:33PM

First Pluto, now Livingstone. Who else at the PD is gonna write a book - Valazy? I would be interested in buying Libington's book, though. I need it to prop up my wobbly desk. Thanks again, Livington. Your a "J" (as in Doctor J)in my book!