Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Alex Bates

Riverview junior Alex Bates took up pole vaulting after growing up as a gymnast and has since become one of the best in the state. 

He pole vaulted 4.20 meters at the Class 4A-Region 3 meet at Plant City Highon May 3 to win his region and earn a spot at the 4A state championships from May 9 and 10 at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. 

When and why did you start pole vaulting? 

I started it my freshman year of high school. Before that I was a gymnast for around five years, and I wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore, so I ended up quitting that. I still wanted to do something, and my mom was a gymnast in college and my dad was a runner in college, so it’s kind of a mix of the two. My mom also knew a bunch of pole vaulters who were ex-gymnasts who ended up turning out really good, so I figured I’d give it a shot. 

What’s been the most memorable moment this season?

Saturday when I won regionals. Last year, I didn’t even make it to regionals because I no-heighted at districts. This was my first year at regionals. 

What’s gone right for you this year?

This year I’ve been focusing more on the technical stuff and trying to perfect my arms and my run, and I feel like that’s helped a lot. 

What’s your favorite all-time memory in pole vaulting? 

I really like going to all the meets. I get to see all of my friends and be sociable before I jump. That’s my favorite part of pole vaulting. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in pole vaulting?

When I no-heighted at districts last year. My goal was to jump really well at that meet, but clearly it didn’t turn out very well. After that I told myself, ‘Well, just keep moving forward and focus on yourself and try to get better.’

What’s your favorite meal?

A good steak cooked medium-rare and I love chimichurri on top of it. You can never go wrong with potatoes on the side.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I don’t usually watch a lot of TV. I don’t have a lot of free time.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

Anything by Nicki Minaj. She is the queen of rap and she has opened so many doors for so many people. I believe she is a very good symbol of women empowerment. 

If you’re not pole vaulting, what are you doing?

Usually studying. I focus a lot of my time on school because I want to be a doctor when I’m older, so I have high expectations for that. 

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

Saturdays I like to go over to my friend’s house and hang out with them. I usually have work every Sunday at Oasis Cafe, a little breakfast place at Siesta and Osprey, so that’s reserved for that. Then I relax after. 

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Simone Biles. I’ve met her a few times. We used to train together. She’s the best gymnastics has ever had, and it’s such an inspiration looking up to her. When the Larry Nassar scandal happened, they shut down the girls national training camp, so they ended up coming to EVO Gymnastics by the airport during the summer to train. It was cool to watch. 

Finish this sentence. Alex Bates is…

A lot.