Among the highlights for British fans was the performance of Molly Caudery, the reigning world indoor champion, who clinched a strong second place in the women’s pole vault.
Caudery’s achievement marked another milestone in what has already been an outstanding year for the 24-year-old, showcasing her consistency on the international stage and reaffirming her place among the global elite in her event. With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games now behind and the 2025 athletics season in full swing, the Brussels meeting offered a fascinating glimpse into the form and momentum of
The Brussels Diamond League: A Stage for Greatness
The Brussels Diamond League, officially known as the Memorial Van Damme, is one of the most prestigious meetings on the annual athletics calendar.
Athletes view it not only as a chance to test themselves against world-class opposition but also as an opportunity to fine-tune their performances ahead of championship seasons.
The 2025 edition lived up to its billing with stellar performances across disciplines, from sprint showdowns to middle-distance tactical battles, and, of course, the pole vault competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Molly Caudery: Britain’s Rising Star in Pole Vault
Molly Caudery has become one of the standout names in British athletics over the past two years. Hailing from Cornwall, she first gained international attention at the junior level before making the leap to senior success.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2023 when she clinched world indoor gold in Glasgow, clearing 4.80m to establish herself as one of the best in the world. That victory catapulted her into the spotlight and set the stage for a series of strong outdoor performances, including at the Paris Olympics in 2024 where she narrowly missed the podium but showcased her immense potential.
By 2025, Caudery has solidified her reputation as Britain’s premier pole vaulter and one of the biggest global threats to traditional powerhouses like Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis (in the men’s side) and the U.S. and Australian contingents in the women’s field.
The Pole Vault Competition in Brussels
The women’s pole vault at Brussels featured an elite lineup, including Olympic and World Championship medalists.
Opening Heights: Caudery entered the competition confidently, clearing her opening height on the first attempt. Her clean progression in the early stages allowed her to conserve energy while others faltered.
The Key Battle: The contest boiled down to a showdown between Caudery and reigning Olympic champion Katie Moon of the USA. Both athletes pushed each other with consistent clearances above 4.70m.
Final Heights: Caudery ultimately cleared 4.78m, securing second place. Katie Moon edged ahead with a successful clearance at 4.83m, which proved decisive in the final standings.
While Caudery attempted 4.83m, she narrowly missed on all three tries, her third attempt coming tantalizingly close. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the win, her performance underlined her consistency and ability to rise to the challenge against world-class opponents.
Reaction from Caudery and Her Camp
After the event, Caudery expressed satisfaction with her performance, while also emphasizing her hunger for improvement.
“I’m really happy with how I competed tonight. The consistency is there, and I know the big heights will come. To be second in such a strong field gives me a lot of confidence as I build toward the rest of the season.”
Her coach echoed those sentiments, praising her technical execution and mental toughness under pressure. The focus, they stressed, remains on steady improvement and positioning Caudery to contend for medals at the upcoming World Championships.
British Performances Beyond Caudery
Caudery’s podium finish was one of several encouraging performances for Team GB in Brussels.
Keely Hodgkinson continued her dominance in the women’s 800m, clocking a world-leading time to take victory. Her tactical mastery once again demonstrated why she is among Britain’s brightest medal prospects.
Zharnel Hughes, Britain’s sprint star, finished third in the men’s 100m against a stacked field that included U.S. speedsters. His consistency throughout the Diamond League season has positioned him as a regular contender.
Laura Muir produced a season’s best in the 1500m, showing signs of a return to peak form as she gears up for championship competition.
Global Highlights from Brussels
Beyond the British contingent, the Brussels Diamond League produced several standout performances:
Mondo Duplantis once again pushed the limits in the men’s pole vault, attempting a new world record after clearing 6.15m with ease. Though unsuccessful on this occasion, his dominance remains unmatched.
Faith Kipyegon delivered another masterclass in the women’s 1500m, reminding the world why she is considered the greatest middle-distance runner of her generation.
Karsten Warholm thrilled fans with a blistering run in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking a season-best time and sending a strong message to his rivals.
These performances underscored the global depth of talent currently defining athletics, with records constantly under threat and rivalries building ahead of major championships.
The Importance of Consistency in Pole Vault
Caudery’s second-place finish highlights one of the most critical aspects of pole vaulting: consistency at high heights.and psychological resilience.
For Caudery, clearing heights like 4.75m–4.80m regularly is crucial. It not only puts her in contention for medals but also builds the confidence required to attempt higher marks, such as 4.85m or even the elusive 5.00m barrier that only a handful of women in history have surpassed.
What Caudery’s Result Means for the Future
Caudery’s performance in Brussels is more than just a single result — it’s part of a broader trajectory that places her firmly among the top pole vaulters in the world.
Confidence Building: Each podium finish at a Diamond League meeting boosts her belief in her ability to compete with — and beat — the very best.
Learning Opportunities: Narrow misses at higher bars, such as 4.83m, provide valuable feedback for refining her technique and training focus.
Momentum for Championships: With the World Championships approaching, strong Diamond League results ensure she enters the competition with momentum and recognition as a genuine medal contender.
The Broader Context of British Athletics
Over the past few years, Team GB has enjoyed a surge of medal contenders across disciplines. Athletes like Hodgkinson, Hughes, Muir, and Caudery embody a new wave of talent capable of challenging traditional powerhouses like the USA, Kenya, Jamaica, and Ethiopia.
For British fans, seeing Caudery succeed in a technical event like the pole vault is especially exciting, as it adds diversity to the nation’s athletics strengths beyond middle-distance running and sprints.
Conclusion
The Brussels Diamond League once again lived up to its reputation as a showcase of global athletics at its finest. For Great Britain, the standout story was Molly Caudery’s impressive second-place finish in the women’s pole vault, a performance that solidifies her status as one of the event’s brightest stars.
Her consistency, competitiveness, and upward trajectory suggest that even greater heights lie ahead.of the sport.
In Brussels, she may have finished second, but for British athletics — and for Caudery herself — it felt like another important victory on the road to greatness.
http://Brussels Diamond League recap GB Caudery pole vault second place
