Reaching New Heights: Katie Moon's Olympic Journey in Paris 2024

Katie Moon, born on June 13, 1991, in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, has become one of the most accomplished pole vaulters in American history. She first gained international attention by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Coming into the Paris 2024 Games, Katie was the defending champion and had high expectations to replicate her previous success. 

Katie began her college career at the University of Dayton, but it was at Ashland University where her pole vaulting career truly took off. She won two NCAA Division II titles, establishing herself as one of the top collegiate pole vaulters in the country. 

In the Women’s Pole Vault event at Paris 2024, Katie once again demonstrated her incredible skill by clearing 4.85 meters, which matched her season best and secured her the silver medal. The competition was fierce, with Australia's Nina Kennedy ultimately taking gold with a 4.90-meter clearance, and Canada's Alysha Newman earning bronze with 4.85 meters as well, but on a countback. 

The color scheme of the artwork, with its vibrant and shifting hues, represents the emotional rollercoaster that athletes experience—anticipation, joy, determination, and, sometimes, the bittersweet taste of just missing the top spot. Katie's expression of joy, mixed with the intensity of her focus while vaulting, tells a story of resilience and dedication. Her journey through the competition was not without challenges, including a long and grueling final that tested the endurance of all competitors. 

Katie's athletic career is marked by numerous achievements, including multiple World Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Despite the intense competition and the slight technical mishaps during the event, Katie's performance at Paris 2024 was a testament to her enduring skill and competitive spirit. 

This artwork is a celebration of Katie Moon's extraordinary journey—a journey that exemplifies the Olympic spirit of striving for greatness, embracing challenges, and pushing the limits of what is possible. It is not just about the silver medal but about the heights she has reached, both literally and metaphorically, in her illustrious career. The colors and movement in this piece are meant to convey the dynamic energy of Katie's vault, capturing the split-second moments that define an athlete's legacy.