YORK SPRINGS, Pa. — Bermudian Springs pole vaulter Lily Carlson is fearless. She has all of the cool, calm and collected characteristics similar to any elite athlete, which is why- the bigger the challenge- the harder she works to conquer it.
"I just enjoyed trying something so challenging," explained Carlson. "The more I did it, the more I fell in love with it."
She's quickly made her mark as one of the best pole vaulters not only in the district but the state as well. Just last week she set the new district record clearing a height of 13 feet, and now it's on to the state tournament where she hopes to claim back-to-back gold medals and potentially attempt to claim the state record as well.
"That was probably one of the best moments ever, the thrill of seeing the bar and seeing it stay still up there," said Carlson. "It is amazing and you can feel it all through your veins."
Carlson's trainer, Mike Shannon, has always dreamed of this moment.. coaching a top-ranked athlete that's on the cusp of something special.
"I've always dreamed of being in the position I'm in now... coaching the best athlete in the state," said Shannon. "I'm very fortunate to have the athletes I have and I'm very excited for what's coming next."
The uniqueness of the pole vault includes speed strength and even a little bit of crazy. The hours spent practicing have her currently sitting atop the rest of the field in the state competition which begins Friday and hopefully ends with her becoming a new state record holder.
"I'll probably be thanking God the whole time, it's crazy what he's blessed me with," said Carlson. "I'm just going to feel grateful and blessed."