He became a professional vaulter because the amateur regulations of the day would not allow him to draw a salary and to compete in amateur competition.

But the move from an amateur competition to one dominated by professionals would have distressed many of them.

It has been described as arguably the country's strongest amateur competition.

In 2010 a new rule governing grooves came into force for professional and high level amateur competition.

He was ranked during his early career and again when he returned to amateur competition.