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The inspiration for the KDMax Pole Vault helmet project — and this Web site — is Kevin Dare.
On February 23, 2002, Kevin, a sophomore at Penn State, was competing in the Big Ten men's indoor track and field championships in the University of Minnesota Field House. An experienced vaulter, Kevin died after hitting his head on the box where he had planted his pole for takeoff. Even the most experienced vaulters risk their lives every time they plant their pole.
Following is a letter that Kevin's father, Ed Dare, has sent to parents of pole vaulters nation-wide:
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Dear Parent,
On February 23, 2002 , my son Kevin Dare, a sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University, was competing in the Big Ten men’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in the University of Minnesota Field House. Just before his vault, Kevin turned to me and said, “This is my day, Dad.” These were the last words Kevin spoke before he lost his life upon impact with the metal vaulting box doing what he loved most.
Dealing with the loss of a child was and still is the single most devastating experience in my life. I have searched for answers, looked for others to blame, and questioned the safety of the very sport Kevin loved. Did you know that there have been over 20 fatalities in the past 20 years? My anguish now has turned to action. Last year, in conjunction with Penn State and the product engineering firm Enventys, we set out to develop a helmet that vaulters could wear comfortably and provide critical protection during vaults. Months of athlete, coach, trainer, and physician feedback was gathered, and then engineering efforts began to develop the first and only helmet developed specifically for the sport of pole vaulting. After significant time and financial resources were expended, the end result is a helmet that I am proud to introduce you to, The KDMax.
I cannot do anything to change what happened that day, however, I am determined to make vaulting a safer sport so Kevin’s death was not in vain. Attached is information on the KDMax helmet. These helmets are being offered directly from the manufacturer in order to reduce the costs and make this protection affordable for all athletes. I encourage you to contact your child’s coach and insist that the school offer helmets to all vaulters participating. You can also protect your child by purchasing their own helmet online at www.polevaulthelmet.com, or by calling 888-355-5335.
My son loved Pole Vaulting. His victories and defeats helped define the man he became. I would not have wanted to deny him of this. Together we can make this a safer sport. Please help me achieve his legacy.
Best regards,
Edward Dare
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