Pole Vaulter Gabi Leon was one of the most successful student-athletes in the history of University of Louisville.
She competed for the Cardinals from 2017 to 2022, finishing her career as the program record holder in both the indoor and outdoor women's pole vault. During her time competing for Louisville, Gabi was a four-time NCAA All-American, won two individual ACC championships, was recognized as All-ACC seven times, and earned USTFCCCA All-Academic distinction twice while receiving All-ACC Academic honors four times.
In 2022 Gabi won the NCAA outdoor National Championships. That year she also won numerous awards including USTFCCCA Outdoor Southeast Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year, ACC Female Outdoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year, and ACC Track & Field Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
When she graduated, Gabi became a professional athlete sponsored by Puma. At the 2022 USATF Outdoor Championships she placed 4th earning her a spot on Team USA for the World Championships, where she place 12th.
Gabi’s indoor personal best is 4.70 which she did this past February at the USA indoor track and Field Championships, earning her a bronze medal in the competition. Her outdoor PB is 4.62, which she achieved in July 2024 at Hengalo, Netherlands.
In addition to talking about the Olympic Trials & the Katie Moon Pole Vault Classic, Gabi shared a very cool story about calf cramps, mastering the mental aspect of sport, initially being scared of pole vaulting, the importance of a varied diet and nutrition in general, and supporting herself as a pro athlete.
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