Nationally ranked UH pole vaulter on competing: 'You get to fall for a couple of seconds, it’s really exciting'

University of Houston (UH) track and field athlete Christyan Sampy will enter his upcoming season as the seventh ranked pole vaulter in the nation, per a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.

The station reported that Sampy is an academic junior but is classified as a sophomore in terms of athletics because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting a new UH record at this year's Texas Relays – a clearance of 18.2 feet – attributed to his national ranking, per the station.

Sampy is a Spring Branch native whose love for the sport dates back to when he was in middle school.

“When you are practically weightless when you hit your peak, and you get to fall for a couple of seconds, it's really exciting," Sampy told KHOU.

According to the station, many factors go into becoming a successful pole vaulter.

UH track coach Kyle Tellez told KHOU that competitors require the following: A sprinter's speed, a long jumper's abilities and a gymnast's aerial skills.

Tellez, per the report, was tipped off to the high-flying Sampy a half-decade ago by the latter's then-future high school coach.

“I went out and saw him in middle school and I'm like, ‘Keep him going. I’m going to recruit that guy,’” he recounted to KHOU.

KHOU reported that Sampy was a multi-sport athlete in high school but ultimately decided the vault for college.

According to the station, his mother provided mental guidance while his physical gifts are linked to his father, who was a member of the Baylor Bears football team.

Sampy is working toward earning a spot in the Olympics, KHOU reported.