The pole vault at the World Athletics Championships has been contested by men since 1983 and women since 1999.

The United States is the most successful nation in the event, winning a total of 17 medals, including 7 golds.

France is the most successful nation to have never won a gold medal, with 4 silvers and 5 bronzes, all in the men's event.

Sergey Bubka is the most successful athlete in the event, winning 6 gold medals in a row between the inaugural edition in 1983 and 1997.

Yelena Isinbayeva is the most successful athlete on the women's side, winning 3 gold and 1 bronze medal between 2003 and 2013.