BILLINGE pole vaulter Harry Coppell cleared the Olympic qualifying height of 5.80m in yesterday’s Perche Elite Tour in Rouen, France.

The 23-year-old former World Youth Champion just missed out on the British pole vault record of 5.86m, but will be delighted at reaching the Tokyo qualifying mark with his personal best.

His effort means he has the Olympic qualifying standard but will not automatically be selected for the Olympics.

To guarantee auto-selection, he needs to finish in the top two at the British Championships in Manchester on June 20-21.

The 2020 Tokyo games begin on 24 July. 

The former Chapel End pupil was the Pride of St Helens Young Sportsperson of the Year in 2014.