Men's pole vault world record progression

The first world record in the men's pole vault was recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1912.

As of June 21, 2009, 71 world records have been ratified by the IAAF in the event. The introduction in the early 1950s of flexible vaulting poles made from composites such as fiberglass or carbon fiber allowed vaulters to achieve greater height.