– It is a crisis. That was three attempts that were so bad, says NRK’s Vebjørn Rodal.
– Terrible to watch, says colleague Jann Post.
Thus, the pole vault competition ended in drama for the Norwegian medal hopeful, just like during the European Championships in Rome earlier this season. He also had major troubles in the same event then.
Skotheim was in third place in the decathlon after seven events. Only the javelin and 1500 meters remain after the pole vault.
Now it is Markus Rooth who must defend the Norwegian colors in the decathlon. He is in a solid medal position.
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Rooth was in sixth place before the pole vault competition, 93 points behind Skotheim.
Based on the results from the remaining events earlier this season, Rooth should have a good chance at the bronze.
Earlier on Saturday, the Norwegian duo improved their seasonal bests as they each won their heats in the 110 meter hurdles. Rooth charged in with a time of 14.25, while Skotheim ran even faster and was clocked at 14.15.
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After the hurdles race, Skotheim was fifth overall in the decathlon. Rooth was two places further down. In discus, both advanced one place.
The pole vault is the last event on the morning program on Saturday.
The German Leo Neugebauer had a 72-point lead over Damian Warner after seven events in the decathlon.