1. Jillian Schwartz was born on September 19,1979 and is an American-born female former pole vaulter who competed internationally for Israel.
20 Facts About Jillian Schwartz
1. 2.
Jillian Schwartz represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics and competed at five consecutive World Championships in Athletics from 2003 to 2011.
3.
Jillian Schwartz's best placing in international competition was fourth at the 2004 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
4.
Jillian Schwartz competed at the NCAA Championships while at Duke University and gained All-America honours on three occasions.
5.
Jillian Schwartz wanted to take up pole vaulting at Lake Forest High School, but was not allowed as the girl's pole vault was not permitted in Illinois until 1997.
6.
Jillian Schwartz moved to Arkansas in order to train in the discipline.
7.
Jillian Schwartz attended the United States Olympic Trials for the first time in 2000, but failed to register a height.
8.
Jillian Schwartz claimed second place at the NCAA Outdoors and signed with Nike that summer, deciding to turn professional.
9.
Jillian Schwartz placed sixth at the 2003 USA Indoors but rebounded with a second-place finish at the outdoor nationals.
10.
Jillian Schwartz achieved the same mark outdoors to take second at the Prefontaine Classic and was runner-up to Dragila at the 2004 Olympic Trials, securing her first Olympic berth.
11.
Jillian Schwartz did not compete indoors in 2005 but managed to finish in the top three at the USA Outdoors.
12.
Jillian Schwartz became the Voluntary Assistant Coach for the Columbia University track and field team in 2008.
13.
Jillian Schwartz competed at the 2006 IAAF World Indoor Championships, but did not make it into the final on this occasion.
14.
Jillian Schwartz made appearances on the 2006 IAAF Golden League circuit.
15.
Jillian Schwartz was again the runner-up at the USA Indoors, this time behind Jennifer Stuczynski.
16.
Jillian Schwartz set her sights on making the team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and had podium finishes at the Reebok Grand Prix and the Adidas Track Classic.
17.
Jillian Schwartz came fourth at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships, but was gifted a place at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics as the reigning US Champion Stuczynski withdrew due to injury.
18.
Jillian Schwartz competed at the 2009 Maccabiah Games in Israel and won the pole vault gold medal for the United States.
19.
Jillian Schwartz gained Israeli citizenship and switched nationality in preparation for the 2010 season.
20.
Jillian Schwartz did manage to win her second national title and make her Olympic debut for Israel at the 2012 London Games, competing in qualifying only.