Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has added another historic chapter to his legendary career by breaking the men’s pole vault world record for a staggering 12th time, clearing 6.28 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm.
The 25-year-old achieved this feat in front of a jubilant home crowd at Stockholm’s iconic Olympic Stadium.
While Duplantis has made a habit of rewriting the pole vault record books since 2020, this particular record carried a deeper personal meaning.
It was the first time he had broken the world record on Swedish soil, the country he represents internationally through his mother’s heritage. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana in the United States, Duplantis has long identified with both of his cultural backgrounds.
His nickname “Mondo” is well-known in global athletics circles, but in Sweden, he is more than just a sporting icon; he is a national treasure.
After soaring over the new world-best height on his very first attempt, Duplantis was visibly elated.
He tore off his vest, embraced his friends and family, and soaked in the roaring approval of the Swedish fans who had packed the stands in anticipation of witnessing history.
The moment was cathartic — not only because of the record itself, but because it was achieved in a place that holds deep sentimental value for the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“I feel full to the brim right now. The first time I jumped in this stadium when I was 11 years old, it was rainy, cold, and I jumped just under four meters. It was quite high for how young I was, but to now be standing here, world record holder in this exact stadium, is something I’ll cherish forever.”
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis
A Record he Wanted to Break For a Long Time
For Duplantis, who had previously mentioned that breaking the world record in Stockholm was “the only thing missing” from his otherwise glittering résumé, the evening marked the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. He acknowledged the emotional significance of not just breaking the record but doing so in such a symbolic location.
“They etch the names of world record holders here. It’s going to be really special to have my name etched in this stadium. It’s the most beautiful stadium, in my biased opinion. It’ll be one of the greatest memories of my career.”
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis
Duplantis first claimed the world record in February 2020 when he vaulted 6.17 meters in Torun, Poland, breaking Renaud Lavillenie’s longstanding mark of 6.16m set in 2014. Just a week later, he extended it to 6.18 meters in Glasgow.
Since then, he has continued to inch upward, seemingly defying the limits of human capability with each leap. His previous best of 6.23m had been set in Eugene, Oregon, in September 2023.
Duplantis has not only dominated the pole vault but also elevated the discipline to new levels of global attention.
With his mix of charm, humility, and unrivaled talent, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in track and field. His technical precision and mental composure under pressure have set a new standard in the sport.
Double Swede Triumph
The Stockholm Diamond League meeting proved to be a night to remember not just because of Duplantis’ heroics.
On the track, fellow Swede Andreas Almgren also delivered a stunning performance by setting a European record in the men’s 5,000 meters. Almgren’s time of 12:41.72 made him the first European to dip under the 12:42 mark and added to the night’s euphoric atmosphere.
For Sweden, it was a double celebration of sporting excellence on home soil. Duplantis and Almgren’s record-breaking achievements electrified the Stockholm crowd and reaffirmed the country’s position as a growing force in global athletics.
Looking ahead, Duplantis now turns his focus to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he will aim to defend his title and possibly extend his world record even further.
Given his current form and the seemingly limitless ceiling of his abilities, few would bet against him.
“I always want more. This is just one of many steps. I love what I do, and as long as I’m having fun and staying healthy, I’ll keep chasing higher.” Duplantis stated.
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