Love Fuels British Athletics Couple's Olympic Dreams

High jumper Joel Clarke-Khan and pole vaulter Molly Caudrey are both thriving after overcoming personal setbacks.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:20am

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British high jumper Joel Clarke-Khan and pole vaulter Molly Caudrey, a couple who train and compete together, have both found success in the 2026 season after facing personal challenges. Clarke-Khan credits his fiancée Caudrey's encouragement for helping him bounce back from a series of injuries and disappointment of missing the 2024 Olympics, while Caudrey says their relationship has helped them navigate the highs and lows of elite athletics. The pair are now aiming to reach new heights at the upcoming European Championships and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The story of Clarke-Khan and Caudrey highlights how a supportive personal relationship can be a key factor in an athlete's success, especially when overcoming setbacks. Their journey also showcases the unique dynamics of being both romantic partners and fierce competitors striving for Olympic glory.

The details

Three years ago, 26-year-old Clarke-Khan from Worcester was questioning his future in the sport after a series of toe injuries and missing the 2024 Olympics. However, the encouragement of his fiancée Caudrey, a 25-year-old pole vaulter from Truro, Cornwall, has been crucial to his successful comeback. Meanwhile, when Caudrey was breaking out as one of the world's best pole vaulters, Clarke-Khan was struggling with form and confidence, but they've since found a balance between their relationship and athletics careers.

  • In 2023, Clarke-Khan suffered a series of toe injuries.
  • In 2024, Clarke-Khan missed the Olympics.
  • Last month, both Clarke-Khan and Caudrey won gold at the Indoor Championships in Birmingham.
  • This summer, the couple is aiming to excel at the European Championships.
  • The couple plans to marry after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The players

Joel Clarke-Khan

A 26-year-old British high jumper from Worcester who overcame injuries and disappointment to make a successful comeback, crediting the support of his fiancée.

Molly Caudrey

A 25-year-old British pole vaulter from Truro, Cornwall, who has become one of the world's best in her event and has helped encourage her fiancé Clarke-Khan through his struggles.

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What they’re saying

“Molly took off over the last few years and became pretty much one of the best pole vaulters in the world. I almost went in the opposite direction. I lost form and confidence and that was a real struggle for me, especially the first few months to a year.”

— Joel Clarke-Khan, High Jumper

“I'd say this current period we are in right now is the first time that we both are on top, doing well for a while and it's such a nice feeling. My parents were there to watch Joel and Joel's parents were there to watch me, it was like a big extended family event. It doesn't happen very often and that's the dream. That weekend in a nutshell is the moments you'll hold onto forever. Maybe we can do it at the Olympics. Imagine that, on a global stage that would be the dream.”

— Molly Caudrey, Pole Vaulter

What’s next

The couple is aiming to excel at the upcoming European Championships this summer as they continue their journey towards the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where they plan to marry.

The takeaway

The story of Clarke-Khan and Caudrey demonstrates how a supportive personal relationship can be instrumental in an athlete's success, especially when overcoming setbacks. Their journey also highlights the unique dynamic of being both romantic partners and fierce competitors striving for Olympic glory.