Lost pole ends Brazilian pole vaulter’s medal chances

BEIJING – Brazilian pole vaulter Fabiana Murer says Olympic officials lost one of her poles during Monday's final at the Bird's Nest, costing her a chance to compete for a medal. Murer said, in tears, after finishing in 10th place among the 12 finalists, “It feels like they stole these Olympics from me," Murer couldn't jump higher than the 4.45-meter mark on Monday, but her personal best is 4.80, which would have given her a silver medal. Pole vaulters use several types of poles in the same event, depending on the height they are attempting to clear. Murer, who came into the event with the fourth best jump of the year, had surpassed the 4.45-meter mark and was looking for the pole she was going to use to try to clear 4.55 meters. – AP