Gymnast turns in golden effort at OFSAA Pole Vault

Assumption’s Alyssa Rizzo Vaults to Second Straight OFSAA Gold

Alyssa Rizzo of Assumption College is once again an OFSAA champion in pole vault, capturing gold for the second straight year with a winning jump of 3.10 metres in the junior girls division.

Source: Jen Rizzo

The Grade 10 standout only picked up the sport just over a year ago. “I started pole vaulting for the first time in May 2024. It was something fun to do that people told me I might be good at because I’m a gymnast,” Rizzo explained. “I couldn’t believe it when I won OFSAA six weeks later.”

She won gold at OFSAA in London last season jumping 2.95m.

This season, she returned with a full training schedule and soared to new heights. Rizzo set meet records at the Lancer Prep meet (3.07m), WECSSA (3.00m), and SWOSSAA (3.21m), breaking the latter record previously held by her coach, Ema Kralik.

“Moving outside for OFSAA West was a challenge dealing with wind, but I still managed to jump 3.10m,” she said. “Then at OFSAA, it was exciting to be in the energy of the meet, and jumping 3.10m again for the win.”

Rizzo recently made the decision to retire from gymnastics and focus on track and field. She’ll train this summer with the University of Windsor Athletic Club (UWAC), continuing to develop in pole vault while also trying hurdles and long jump.

Coach Kevin Dinardo praised her natural talent and poise under pressure.

“Alyssa came to us last high school season, then focused on other sports before returning this year, so it is essentially only her second season in the event,” Dinardo said. “For her level of experience, she is a very calm athlete in pressure situations. I am excited to see how she progresses as she will be devoting more time to the event.”

Rizzo’s rapid rise continues to impress—and she’s just getting started.