There are moments in sport when an athlete is not just competing against others, but against her own limits. Right now, Baranica Elangovan is doing exactly that.

Just a day after a national record in the men’s pole vault grabbed attention, Baranica made sure the spotlight stayed on the event. Competing at the Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competition in Kalinga Stadium, she improved her own national record by clearing 4.23m.

What makes this performance special is not just the number, but the way she built it. She started her competition calmly, clearing 3.90m and 3.95m without trouble. From there, she moved up with confidence, going past 4.00m and 4.10m on her very first attempts.

Then came the big moment.

At 4.23m, Baranica faced a real test. After two failed attempts, she had one last chance. With focus and composure, she got it right on her third try setting a new national record and once again proving her consistency at the highest level in India.

“I wasn’t really aiming for a record. I was focusing on my technique, but I’m happy I could improve the national record,” Baranica told NNIS Sports after breaking the national record.

This wasn’t a sudden breakthrough. Earlier this season, she had already cleared 4.10m at the Indian Open Jumps, crossing the qualification mark set by the Athletics Federation of India for the Asian Games. Since then, she has kept pushing forward, improving step by step.

Interestingly, she even attempted 4.30m after her record jump, showing that she is already thinking beyond her current mark. Though she couldn’t clear it this time, the intent was clear she is not done yet.

Bhubaneswar is quickly becoming her favourite stage. From winning gold at the National Indoor Championships to setting back-to-back national records, the city has turned into a place where she keeps getting better.

“All the work and preparation are geared toward the Federation Cup and Inter-State Championships. I’m preparing for the major competitions. As I said, I need to focus on my technique,” she added.

Baranica’s journey is a reminder that progress in athletics doesn’t always come in big leaps. Sometimes, it is about small improvements one centimetre at a time that slowly build something remarkable.

And right now, with every jump, she is raising not just the bar, but the expectations for Indian pole vault.