The Athlete with Over-Vaulting Ambition: Sweden's Mondo Duplantis
The Athlete with Over-Vaulting Ambition: Sweden's Mondo Duplantis
Duplantis Sets New World Record of 6.25 Metres, Winning Gold and Breaking the World Record for the 9th Time.
The Vaulting Virtuoso: Mondo Duplantis Shatters World Record
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, the US-born Swedish pole vault sensation, delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, cementing his reign over the sport and dazzling fans worldwide. With a stunning leap, Duplantis set a new world record of 6.25 metres, securing his second consecutive Olympic gold and breaking the world record for the 12th time. His electrifying display of athleticism reaffirms his status as one of track and field's most thrilling performers.
Olympic Performance and Gold Medal
Duplantis successfully defended his Olympic title, winning gold in the men's pole vault final. He cleared multiple heights with ease, including 5.7m, 5.85m, 5.95m, 6.0m, and 6.1m, all on his first attempts. This performance alone was enough to secure his second consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he wanted more. Read on……..
World Record Attempt
Breaking New Ground— Setting New World record
After securing the gold, Duplantis set his sights on breaking his own world record. He had the bar raised to 6.25 meters in one go, one centimetre higher than the existing world record that he held. His first two attempts at this height were unsuccessful. However, on his third and final attempt, Duplantis cleared the bar, setting a new world record and sending the packed stadium into a frenzy. As the only man everyone had come to see, Duplantis showcased his extraordinary talent, operating on a different plane than any other pole vaulter in the sport's history.
A Night to Remember
The Stade de France stadium lights flickered as the best crowd Duplantis had ever seen outside of Tiger Stadium erupted into a delirious wall of sound. Sprinting off the mat, he hugged his girlfriend and high-fived his brothers in celebration. Reflecting on his achievement, Duplantis felt satisfied, believing it to be an unparalleled moment in his career. Later, he mingled on the track with Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, the King of Sweden, calling the encounter "very cool." Duplantis planned to celebrate with his family, anticipating karaoke and "some liquid courage" to get on stage.
Action Replay—Setting the Stage for History
First, Duplantis set the bar at 6.10 meters, shattering the 6.03-meter Olympic record. He then aimed for 6.25 meters, a height never before achieved. On his first attempt, his right elbow hit the bar, and on his second, his chest touched it just after reaching the required height. He then consulted with his father, Greg, who suggested moving the standards—uprights holding the bar—10 centimeters closer. Duplantis instinctively requested 62 centimeters instead of the 60 Greg had prescribed, hoping it would be the perfect adjustment.
The Climactic Jump
With the standards reset, Duplantis prepared for his final attempt, feeling as if he had rehearsed this moment thousands of times. The crowd clapped rhythmically as he bolted down the runway, his speed a critical asset. "He runs with God’s hand on his back," remarked fellow pole vaulter Sam Kendricks, who won the Silver medal. At full speed, Duplantis planted his neon yellow pole, inverted, and soared two stories high. He cleared the bar, floated to the mat, and landed with a triumphant roar. Embracing his family and coaches, Duplantis reflected, "I don’t even really care right now. Why would I care about anything else other than what just happened?"
A Night to Remember
The Stade de France stadium lights flickered as the best crowd Duplantis had ever seen outside of Tiger Stadium erupted into a delirious wall of sound. Sprinting off the mat, he hugged his girlfriend and high-fived his brothers in celebration. Reflecting on his achievement, Duplantis remarked, "If I don’t beat this moment in my career, I’m pretty okay with that. I don’t think you can do much better than what just happened." Later, he mingled on the track with Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus, the King of Sweden, calling the encounter "very cool." Duplantis planned to celebrate with his family, anticipating karaoke and "some liquid courage" to get on stage.
World Record History
This marks the ninth time Duplantis has broken the world record in his professional career. He now owns 10 of the 12 best clearances in world history. His consistent record-breaking performances have solidified his position as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.
Previous Achievements
Prior to the Paris Olympics, Duplantis had already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments:
Olympic gold medalist (Tokyo 2020)
Two-time world champion (outdoor)
Two-time world champion (indoor)
Three-time Diamond League champion
NCAA indoor champion
Early Career and Family Background
Duplantis was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA but competes for Sweden, his mother's native country. His pole vaulting journey began in his backyard in Louisiana, where his parents constructed a pole vault pit. Both his parents were athletes, having met on the LSU track and field team decades earlier. This early exposure and family support played a crucial role in developing his skills and passion for the sport.
Honouring the Pole Vault Legends: Sergey Bubka and Mondo Duplantis
While today's pole vaulting world celebrates Mondo Duplantis for his extraordinary achievements, it is fitting to remember Sergey Bubka, a legend who paved the way. Born in Voroshilovgrad, Ukraine, Bubka became a dominant force in pole vaulting, representing the Soviet Union and later Ukraine. His Olympic journey saw a single gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics amidst a career marked by both triumph and missed opportunities due to boycotts and injuries. Despite these setbacks, Bubka won six consecutive World Championships from 1983 to 1997 and broke the world record 35 times, becoming the first man to clear 6 meters. His innovative technique and exceptional athleticism revolutionized the sport, setting indoor and outdoor records that stood for decades.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Bubka transitioned into influential roles in sports administration and politics, serving as Vice President of the IAAF and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. His legacy is cemented with numerous accolades, including the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award. As Duplantis continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in pole vaulting, Bubka's career remains a powerful reminder of the sport's rich history and the remarkable individuals who have elevated it to new heights. Bubka's relentless pursuit of excellence set a benchmark for future generations, inspiring athletes like Duplantis to carry the torch forward.
Looking Forward
At just 24 years old, Duplantis has already achieved what many athletes can only dream of. He has tied American Bob Richards (1952, 1956) as one of only two men to win back-to-back Olympic pole vault gold medals. With his youth and continued dominance in the sport, Duplantis is well-positioned to further extend his legacy in future competitions.
His performance in Paris has drawn comparisons to other Olympic legends, with some likening his pole vault supremacy to Katie Ledecky's prowess in swimming and Simone Biles' mastery in gymnastics.
As Duplantis continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in pole vaulting, the track and field world eagerly anticipates his future performances and the potential for even more record-breaking feats. By surpassing yet another limit, Duplantis raises the question of how far he can go each time he sets a new mark. He lives to expand the realm of possibilities, and for one night, he chose to revel in his accomplishment rather than focus on future goals. Watching from his quiet retirement, Sergey Bubka, the legendary pole vaulter who broke the world record 35 times, would surely be proud of Duplantis' glorious feat. Bubka's pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence have clearly inspired Duplantis, who now carries the torch forward, embodying the Olympic motto: "Citius, Altius, Fortius" – Faster, Higher, Stronger (see video).