A shout out video from Brad Walker, newest member of Mizuno International...

Courtesy of Mizuno International, here is a short video interview with University of Washington alum Brad Walker (left/photo by Paul Merca) as he talks about various subjects, including his start in the sport, training, goals for 2014, and his initial impressions on his new sponsor.

As we reported last month, Walker signed a contract with Mizuno after being dropped by long-time sponsor Nike for taping his spikes in the finals of the pole vault at the IAAF world track & field championships in Moscow, where he finished fourth.

The 31-year old Walker, who graduated from University HS in Spokane, will compete for the New York Athletic Club in 2014.

TRACK & FIELD NEWS WORLD & US RANKINGS ANNOUNCED

In the 2013 Track & Field News world rankings that were released a few days ago, Walker was ranked the #1 pole vaulter in the USA, and #6 in the world.

The only other athlete with Washington ties to receive a world ranking from the magazine was Bernard Lagat in the 5000, where he was ranked #7 in the world to go along with his #1 US ranking.

Triple jumper Andrea Geubelle was the only woman with Washington ties to earn a #1 US ranking, taking top honors in the triple jump.