Question

Guess and write why pole vault jumpers land on thick mats of foam?

Answer 1

The mats act as a cushioning for the athletes to land on when they are done with their jumps. If there was no mat, the athlete’s body was in contact with the ground. But a mat acts as a cushioning and which helps to reduce the chances of the athlete injuring themselves.

Complete answer:
Athletic mats are generally made of one three popular foam materials - Ethylene-vinyl acetate also known as EVA material), Polyethylene or Polyurethane - or a combination of these foam materials.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA material, is an elasticized closed-cell foam with rubber-like softness and has great flexibility. EVA mats will have a glossy appearance and are resistant to UV radiation and cracking, also waterproof.
While the EVA foam does not contain any rubber, is commonly referred to as expanded rubber (or foam rubber).
Due to these qualities (properties), EVA material makes an excellent flooring foam for athletic activities as it will absorb impact from falls and can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
If there was no mat, the athlete’s body on contact with the ground would instantaneously come to rest and result in hurting themselves.
Pole vault jumpers land on thick mats of foam because foam is known for its shock absorbing qualities and buoyancy.

Note:
While doing a pole vault, if the kumpleto lands on the hard ground directly then he gets less time to land on ground and hence the force is more which may result in injuries. however when the jumper lands on a thick mat of foam placed on ground, as soon as the jumper's legs touch the at it seeps in providing the jumper with more time to land on ground and hence less force is experienced by the legs.