Breaking records is always fun. But this 24-year-old British track star’s achievement at the Madrid World Athletics Indoor Tour meet put her at the top of the world. Literally! She sailed over 4.85 m over the top of the pole with more than 15 centimeters to spare. The one we are talking about is none other than Molly Caudrey. But while she added 10 cm to her Euro-leading vault mark, she also had something sad to share.

Molly was the only one to clear 4.75 m. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Tina Sutej, a two-time European indoor silver medalist, had to settle for second after bowing out at 4.70 m. No one else even came close. But just when it looked like she might keep going and start vaulting over buildings, Caudery decided to call it a day after her 4.85-meter clearance.

“I wish I could have carried on as I was having so much fun. But I am carrying a very small injury—it’s a hamstring and calf thing,” she admitted. “With the Europeans and the Worlds coming up, I’m trying to keep a lid on things.” Still, she was buzzing about her performance. Especially since it was her first time this season clearing 4.80m. Basically, she’s finding her groove at just the right time.

Then, on March 1, the pole vaulter broke the news on Instagram. The post meant no European Indoor Championships for her. Instead, she’s shifting her focus to the World Championships in Nanjing later this month. “My team and I have made the tough decision not to compete in Apeldoorn, choosing instead to fully focus on the World Championships,” Molly Caudery wrote.

“I’ve been managing a small calf injury, and after careful consideration, we believe this is the best way to ensure I can be 100% healthy for Worlds. I appreciate all the support—I was really looking forward to my first ever Euro indoor champs.” It’s a bummer, but let’s be real—she’s got bigger fish to fry. If all goes to plan, she’ll be flying even higher when it counts! And her fans? They couldn’t help but shower her with praise, cheering her on for making the smart call.

Track and field fans jump to support track and field star

Track and field fans quickly flooded Molly Caudery’s Instagram with support after her announcement. “You are an amazing talent, and it’s important to show that talent on the world stage. Always tough, enjoy every moment,” one fan wrote. Another chimed in, “A wise decision 👏 Hopefully, you will be fully prepared for Worlds.

And another fan said, “Without ifs and without buts, you are proving not only that you are number one, but what matters most is that you are full of humanity.” Clearly, the admiration runs deep—not just for her performances but for the resilience she’s shown throughout her career. Caudery is no stranger to setbacks.

In 2021, a freak weightlifting accident nearly cost her a finger when it got caught between the bar and the weight rack.

“It was literally holding on by the skin on the side,” she recalled. Three surgeries later, she managed to save it. Add to that two Achilles surgeries and a grueling nine-month layoff, and it’s easy to see why staying healthy has been such a game-changer for her.

One track and field fan summed it up perfectly: “Without ifs and buts, you’re proving not just that you’re number one. But that you’re full of humanity.” Another added, “Always listen to your body, and hopefully, you’ll come back stronger for the World Championship ❤️.” And honestly, we all know Molly Caudery never gives up. Remember her heartbreaking moment in 2024 when she missed out on the Paris Olympics?

It was a tough day at the Stade de France. Molly, a 24-year-old former Loughborough University student, was one of the favorites after winning the World Indoor Championships and smashing the British record with a 4.92m jump. But the Olympic stage is a different beast. She struggled to clear 4.55 m in the qualifiers and missed out on the final.

Still, she didn’t make excuses, saying, “It was just a really unfortunate day.” That’s the thing about Molly—she owns her setbacks and always finds a way to bounce back. No doubt, she’ll be out to prove herself once again at the World Championships in Nanjing.