Our March 10th luncheon speaker was Lawrence Johnson a pole vaulter. Johnson was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Lawrence Johnson earned the nickname “LoJo” in college. LoJo began pole vaulting in 1989 and since has/holds records on all stages and led the charge to return the US to the international medal podium with two Olympic appearances, including a silver medal performance in 2000 Olympic games Sydney.

Lawrence resigned as Assistant Coach/Pole Vault at the University of South Carolina in August 2011 to grow his online concept www.vaultassaultonline.com and www.lojovaultassault.com. He also launched www.lojoteamva.com.

Lawrence is best known for winning the Olympic silver medal in 2000, he also won a gold medal at the 2001 IAAF World Indoor Championships and a silver medal at the 1997 IAAF World Indoor Championships (First American to bring back a medal in the pole vault in a major competition since 1987). He is the current American Indoor Record Holder at 5.96m (19′ – 6.5″) set March 3, 2001. His personal best jump is 5.98m (19′ – 7.5″), which he achieved in 1996.

LoJo is one of the USA’s most decorated pole vaulters. His accomplishments include 2x HS National Champion, 7x SEC Champion, 4x NCAA Champion, 7x US Champion, World Champion, & Olympic SIlver Medallist. He still holds many stadium and meet records, as well as Collegiate Records. LoJo Vault Assault website list of records.

LoJo is also the first Black pole vaulter to medal and step on the podium, which he achieved at the 2000 Olympic games. He is the first Black pole vaulter to win in a major competition (won silver in Paris in 1997), and the first Black pole vaulter to make the Olympic Team in the Pole Vault, which he achieved at the 1996 Olympic Trials.