Whenever he gets back to Melbourne, Steve Hooker likes to link up with his original coach, Mark Stewart, who also developed women’s vault pioneer, Emma George. In his latest IAAF Online Diary, the reigning Olympic champion looks back at the influence Stewart had on the early part of his career.

"When I’m in Melbourne I always try to get to Mark’s sessions, talk with the guys he’s coaching and do as much with them as I can.

"He always asks me to look at new kids he’s developing, and how they’re jumping. It’s exciting to still have that connection with Mark and Box Hill Athletic Club. I think it’s great that Mark continues to do what he does, it’s one of the most important roles in pole vault in Australia.

Click here to read the rest of Steve's blog