Pole vaulter, filmmakers to attend 'Vera's Vault' screenings

Three-time all-American pole vaulter Vera (Neunswander) Schmitz will return to her native Jefferson City for two film screenings of "Vera's Vault," a documentary about her journey to qualify for the 2016 Olympics trials, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Capitol City Cinema.

The 1996 USA Olympic Magnificent Seven inspired Schmitz, and she was determined to be an Olympian one day. Following the 2012 Olympic Trials and 16 years of competing and training, Schmitz's journey was interrupted after discovering she had a torn labrum in her hip and needed surgery.

Schmitz didn't let that stop her. She worked every day for four years recovering and training, qualifying for the 2016 Olympics trials on the last possible day and giving her one more chance to make the team.

Chicago-based filmmakers Megan Cody and Lauren Vitiello will be at the event for Q&A sessions with guests after each showing. Schmitz and her husband also will be in attendance for the meet and greet.

Admission is $5.

For more information, visit CapitolCityCinema.org or email [email protected]. For more information about "Vera's Vault," visit Facebook.com/verasvault2017.