Max Milinkovic-Gene Sets New PB at Night Flight, Eyes Junior Nationals

Windsor-Essex pole vaulter Max Milinkovic-Gene turned in a standout performance at the Night Flight competition, setting a new personal best of 4.78m at the University of Windsor Athletics Club event.

The mark is significant. At this year's OFSAA, Max finished fourth with a clearance of 4.60m — second place went to Adam Freure of E.L. Crossley at 4.70m. His new PB clears that bar with room to spare.

He also noted the jump felt higher than the recorded height, with plenty of room between him and the bar on the way over.

Max, a former WESPY Award-winning gymnast in 2024, also made the switch to 5-meter poles at Night Flight for the first time — a technical step that appeared to pay immediate dividends.

"All the training I'm doing is paying off," he said. "Getting a new PB kind of showed me what I'm capable of jumping. It's giving me a little bit more confidence going into next week."

Next stop is Junior Nationals in Ottawa later this week where Max will compete on the national stage.