UPPSALA, Sweden – Armand “Mondo” Duplantis continued his reign as the world’s premier pole vaulter, shattering his own world record for the 15th time on Tuesday at the Mondo Classic in Uppsala, Sweden. The Swedish-American athlete cleared 6.31 meters (20 feet, 8 ¼ inches), adding another centimeter to the mark he previously held. The performance, witnessed by family, friends, and a fervent home crowd, underscores Duplantis’s dominance in the sport and his unique connection to his Swedish roots.
The 26-year-old Duplantis, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, needed just four attempts to achieve the record-breaking height. He successfully cleared 5.65m, 5.90m, 6.08m before reaching the monumental 6.31m on his first strive. The ease with which he navigated the heights was striking, described by some as “simple as drinking a glass of water.” This latest achievement builds on a remarkable run of form for Duplantis, who has now broken the world record nine times since August 2023.
The Mondo Classic, a meet named in his honor, clearly holds special significance for the athlete. “This competition of course, naturally, since I put my name on it, is the most high-pressured and important competition, basically, of the whole year for me,” Duplantis said before the event, as reported by NBC Sports. The atmosphere in Uppsala was electric, fueled by the presence of his family and supporters, including his future spouse.
Duplantis’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. He first broke the world record in February 2020, incrementally adding to the mark over the years. His previous record of 6.30 meters was set at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September 2023, where he secured a gold medal. The athlete’s strategy of increasing the record by just one centimeter with each successful attempt mirrors that of Ukrainian legend Sergey Bubka, who employed a similar tactic in the 1980s and 90s to maximize bonus earnings.
The competition itself saw a strong field, but none could challenge Duplantis’s performance. Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen finished second with a jump of 6.00 meters, while Americans Brad Bradford and Sam Kendricks, along with Australian Kurtis Marshall, all cleared 5.90 meters. Greek vaulter Emmanouil Karalis, who recently achieved a personal best of 6.17 meters, was among those unable to reach the same heights in Uppsala.
Duplantis’s success isn’t solely about height; it’s also about speed. Observers noted the remarkable quickness of his approach, comparing it to that of a sprinter. In fact, his personal best in the 100 meters is 10.37 seconds, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. This combination of speed and technique has propelled him to unprecedented heights in the pole vault.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Duplantis represents Sweden through his mother. His continued success is a source of national pride for the country, and the Mondo Classic has become a centerpiece of the Swedish athletics calendar. He previously broke a Swedish record at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm on June 15, 2023, clearing 6.28 meters.
Looking ahead, Duplantis is set to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Poland from March 20-22. The event, which will be broadcast on Peacock, presents another opportunity for him to add to his impressive collection of titles. He’s aiming for his ninth consecutive global title since 2021, encompassing World Indoor Championships, World Outdoor Championships, and Olympic Games.
Duplantis’s dominance in the pole vault is a captivating story of athletic prowess, strategic brilliance, and a deep connection to his heritage. As he continues to push the boundaries of the sport, fans around the world will be watching with anticipation to see what heights he will reach next.
Next Up: Mondo Duplantis will compete at the World Indoor Championships in Poland from March 20-22. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates and coverage.
