BIOGRAPHY

From a young age when she used to do push-ups with her dad and siblings in the morning, to a high school pole vaulting career that brought her a full-ride scholarship in college. During her senior year at the University of Idaho, Melinda was ranked as best collegiate pole vaulter. She is now taking her vaulting career to another level in Chula Vista, Calif., where is training to bring home a medal in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Career Highlights: 5th place, Outdoor National Championships; Champion, 2010 Osaka Grand Prix; 6th place, Outdoor National Championships; Bronze medal, 2009 Indoor National Championships;10th place, 2008 Olympic Trials; 2007 All-American