Abstract: A notch or cutout configuration for a pole vaulter's landing cushion provides increased protection for the athlete while avoiding interference with bending of the vaulting pole. The top of the notch is broad at the pole planting region and relatively narrow at a more forward region. In the preferred form, the base of the notch is narrow in the pole planting region and broadens towards the front of the cushion to conform with the outline of a vaulting box, the sidewalls and back wall of the notch being inclined outwardly in the pole planting region while the notch sidewalls in the more forward region are vertical. In addition to providing more extensive cushioning adjacent the vaulting box area, the configuration enhances performance by reducing the athlete's concerns about contact of the pole with the cushion and about landing.