Vanessa Boslak
A French pole vault pioneer who soared to European and World Championship podiums, pushing the boundaries of her sport.
Born 1982 (age 44)·French pole vaulter·Birthday: June 11·Millennials
Biography
Born in Lesquin in 1982, Vanessa Boslak emerged as a formidable force in the highly technical world of pole vaulting. Her career was defined by a powerful combination of athleticism and grace, consistently placing her among Europe's elite. Boslak's presence on the international circuit, marked by numerous appearances in World Championships and European Championships, showcased her resilience and competitive spirit. While the podium at the very highest global events remained just out of reach, her consistent high-level performances made her a respected figure and a standard-bearer for French athletics in her discipline. She competed in an era where women's pole vault was rapidly evolving, and her career stands as a testament to the dedication required to excel at its sharpest edge.
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.
Vanessa was born in 1982, 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 Vanessa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Vanessa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the silver medal in the pole vault at the 2006 European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg.
- Secured a bronze medal at the 2010 European Athletics Championships in Barcelona.
- Represented France in the pole vault at three consecutive Summer Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012).
- Earned a silver medal at the 2006 IAAF World Cup in Athens.
Did You Know?
She studied for a degree in Sports Science alongside her athletic career.
Boslak was a French national champion in the pole vault multiple times.
She initially trained in gymnastics before specializing in pole vault.
“The pole is my partner; we have to work together to clear the bar.”
