Scott Simpson only took over coaching New Zealand's elite pole vaulters eight months ago but already he's taking them to unprecedented heights, with all three Kiwis qualifying through to the women's final in Paris.
Eliza McCartney, Imogen Ayris and Olivia McTaggart make up the Kiwi contingent — the most from any one country in Thursday's final.
It comes after a drama-filled qualifying where McCartney was welcomed back onto the Olympic stage where she put out a strong performance in her first Olympic Games in eight years.
The Rio bronze medallist was one of 11 competitors clearing 4.55m.
"Qualifiers are really crazy events, as you can see as to what's just happened today," she said.
With one spot remaining in the final, organisers decided all nine athletes who cleared 4.40m on their first attempt — which included the other two New Zealanders — would progress.
Simpson said his heart rate was high right up until a decision was made.
"It wasn't right till the very end that we knew all three were in to the final. Up until that point I was pretty uncertain."
Twenty athletes have qualified through to the final, which is more than usual. Organisers are currently working through logistics as to how the event will be run, with the potential of start times moved forward and potentially longer waits between attempts.
"It does change the dynamics a little," said Simpson.
"We will plan for that and strategise for that but I'm just delighted we have three in there."
Not all of Simpson's vaulters had as much success. He also trains Great Britain's Molly Cauderey, who failed to qualify, as did Tokyo bronze medal winner Holly Bradshaw.
"Absolutely gutted for both of them. To see no height especially when they're highly ranked is devastating."
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