Fuel Mike and Jill's Road to the Olympics

Many know us as ‘Mike and Jill’, two professional pole vaulters living the “dirtbag” lifestyle in pursuit of our Olympic/professional dreams. Individually, we are Michael Cyphers and Jill Marois, engaged pole vaulters often times living out of our car in order to make the dream work!

Most years, our ability to hit the road in a moments notice is a tremendous strength. You will often find us on a 4-12hr drive with two 16’+ pole vault bags strapped on top of our car with a tent in the trunk and less than $100 to our names in order to compete. Our love for the sport, and belief in our ability to take it to the next level is tremendous.

This year being an Olympic Year, our normal way of life will simply not suffice. Camping in a tent before and after competitions, coupled with long drives to and from, creates a tremendous strain on our bodies and our ability to access our fullest potentials. With minimal funding, our ability to adequately nourish our bodies becomes incredibly difficult. In the years between the Olympic Trials, we take breaks during our season to coach the next generation, we help run large, multi-day pole vault camps, as well as work odd jobs in order to financially sustain ourselves. During an Olympic year this becomes incredibly difficult due to the time, and energy requirements that accompany such a competitive year. This is where you come in!

We are asking our community for help! The Olympic Trails qualifying window closes June 9, 2024. Time is quickly running out, so we are asking you to help us raise funds in order to help us give it our absolute best effort. For us, money is simply a tool, one we normally are able to stretch a long way, but this year it is essential that we travel to the competitive meets around the country. It is essential for us to be able to fly rather than drive, which requires more funding than we have access to. It is essential that we fuel our bodies and minds consistently and fully. All of this requires money.

If you know us, or are reading this and would like to help us achieve our goals, please donate! If you can only give a little, every penny counts! If you are unable to give financially, we understand, but if you still wish to support in some way, share this with those that you know, and if you get a chance we always appreciate letters/messages of encouragement! We believe in ourselves, we believe with your help we will achieve our potentials! The question that remains; do you believe in us? If so, please give!

(if you prefer direct donation, Michael’s venmo is Michael-Cyphers)