As you can imagine, there are far fewer people competing in pole vaulting than there are in sports which are more popular with the public. That made progress quick and easy for Stokke. Still aged just 15, she became the national champion within her age group.
Stokke's winning vault in the national championships was an impressive 12.5 feet, which drew her first recognition in the national press. Her career was launched, but greater things would follow. This was just the beginning.