Lisa Ryzih
A mainstay of German athletics for over a decade, she consistently soared among the world's elite pole vaulters with a powerful, fast-paced approach.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German pole vaulter·Birthday: September 27·Millennials
Biography
Lisa Ryzih carved out a formidable career as one of Germany's most reliable and technically sound pole vaulters. Born in the Soviet Union but competing for Germany, she announced herself by winning the European U23 championship. What followed was a model of high-level consistency. She was a fixture in global finals, regularly placing in the top ten at world championships and claiming medals at the European level. Her sixth-place finish at the London 2012 Olympics was a career highlight, showcasing her ability to perform on the biggest stage. Known for her speed and athleticism on the runway, Ryzih's career spanned an era of incredible depth in women's vaulting. She remained a respected competitor, her name synonymous with a gritty, professional longevity that saw her clear bars over 4.70 meters.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lisa was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lisa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lisa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Placed 6th in the women's pole vault at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
- Won the silver medal at the 2015 European Indoor Championships in Prague.
- Claimed the gold medal at the European Under-23 Championships in 2009.
- Was a consistent finalist at World Championships, ranking within the global top 10 for multiple seasons.
Did You Know?
Her birth name is Elizaveta, and she is of Russian-German heritage.
She studied sports management at the University of Leipzig.
Ryzih was known for her distinctive, very fast run-up to the vaulting box.
“The pole is my tool; the air above the box is my workplace.”
