Uppsala, Sweden – Armand “Mondo” Duplantis continued his reign as the world’s premier pole vaulter, shattering his own world record on Thursday with a leap of 6.31 metres (20 feet, 8 1/4 inches) at the Mondo Classic in Uppsala. The event, held at the IFU Arena, is a competition named in honor of the Swedish athlete where he regularly trains. This marks the 15th time Duplantis has broken the world record since first achieving the feat in 2020.
The 26-year-aged’s latest record-breaking jump came after a near-flawless performance, clearing 5.65m, 5.90m and 6.08m on his first attempts. He then requested the bar be raised to a world-record height of 6.31m and successfully soared over it, electrifying the home crowd. The accomplishment further solidifies Duplantis’s dominance in the sport, a position he’s held since winning Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games and again at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Duplantis has consistently increased the world record by exactly one centimeter with each successive jump. This incremental approach to record-breaking began in February 2020 and has develop into a hallmark of his career. He previously broke the world record at the World Athletics Championships last year and at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level on the biggest stages. The athlete’s winning streak currently stands at 38 consecutive victories, dating back to August 2023.
While Duplantis’s achievements are remarkable, he is not the sole record-breaker in pole vaulting history. Sergey Bubka, the Ukrainian legend, holds the record for the most world record breaks, with 17 outdoor and 18 indoor records set during his career in the 1980s and 1990s. However, a rule change implemented by track and field’s governing body in 2000 now recognizes only one overall world record, achievable either indoors or outdoors, meaning direct comparisons across eras are complex.
Duplantis’s Continued Success
The Swedish-American athlete, who chose to represent Sweden through his mother’s heritage, has not lost a major final since the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha, where he missed out on gold to Sam Kendricks on a countback. His consistent performance and unwavering focus have made him a fan favorite and a dominant force in the sport. Duplantis’s success extends beyond the Olympics and World Championships; he boasts three outdoor titles in addition to his two Olympic gold medals.
What’s Next for ‘Mondo’?
Duplantis is now setting his sights on the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland next week, where he will be aiming to secure his fourth consecutive title in the event. beIN SPORTS will be broadcasting the competition live. His continued pursuit of excellence and his ability to consistently push the boundaries of the sport make him a compelling athlete to watch.
The athlete’s latest achievement underscores his dedication and talent, and fans eagerly anticipate his performance at the upcoming World Indoor Championships. Duplantis’s journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time.
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