World leader Nageotte showcases more consistency, with Miller achieving personal best for first time in two years to secure victories in North Carolina

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Katie Nageotte continued her impressive summer stretch, but it was Austin Miller who grabbed the spotlight Wednesday at the Rocket Man Elite Meet at Mooresville in Lake Norman, N.C.

Nageotte, already the world outdoor leader this year, cleared 15 feet, 5.50 inches (4.71m) on her second attempt to set the women’s facility record. Nageotte took three attempts at 15-10.50 (4.84m), which would have surpassed her 15-10 (4.83m) effort from Saturday in Georgia, but had a pair of run throughs and she was under the bar on her third try.

It marked the fourth consecutive meet for Nageotte clearing at least 15-5 (4.70m). She cleared 14-5.50 (4.41m) and 14-9.50 (4.51m) on her first attempts, along with with 15-1.50 (4.61m) on her second try.

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Miller cleared a lifetime-best 18-9.50 (5.73m) on his first attempt to produce the men’s facility record and elevate to the No. 5 performer in the U.S. and eighth in the world this year. He also had three opportunities at 19-1.50 (5.83m).

Miller cleared 18-6.75 (5.66m) in July 2018 in Charlotte and his best performance since then was clearing 18-5.25 (5.62m) at High Point in June 2019.

He needed third attempts Wednesday to clear 17-1.75 (5.23m) and 17-7.75 (5.38m), before making 18-1.75 (5.53m) on his second try, then clearing 18-5.50 (5.63m) and 18-9.50 both on his first opportunities.

Matt Ludwig, tied for second in the world this year at 19-4.25 (5.90m), took second at 18-1.75. He missed three attempts at 18-9.50.

Scott Houston, who trains with Miller, was third with a 17-1.75 clearance.

Alina McDonald just missed equaling her personal best to place second behind Nageotte with a 14-9.50 clearance. McDonald, the No. 3 performer in the U.S. and 13th in the world this year, had three tries at 15-1.50.

Jill Marois and Megan Zimlich both cleared 13-7.75 (4.16m), with Marois earning third place based on fewer attempts.

Both Miller and Nageotte earned $400 prizes for first place, in addition to each receiving a $100 bonus for setting facility records.