Dhaka, March 23 -- Marie-Julie Bonnin soared into the spotlight at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, clearing 4.75m to equal the French pole vault record and gain her first global gold on Saturday (22).

After claiming bronze at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn earlier in the month, the 23-year-old went two places better to take the title in China, winning ahead of her fellow European indoor medallists Tina Sutej of Slovenia, who got silver in Apeldoorn, and Angelica Moser of Switzerland, who got gold in the continental competition.

Despite a break in competition due to a technical issue, Bonnin managed to maintain her composure. After entering the competition at 4.45m and clearing that first time, the Ol...