Armand Duplantis dominates to win pole vault gold with new world record

Armand Duplantis of Sweden, at the age of 24, successfully defended his Olympic pole vault title with remarkable ease on Monday, requiring only four attempts to secure the gold medal with a height of 6.00 metres. He subsequently established a new world record at the Stade de France, clearing 6.25 metres amidst an enthusiastic crowd.

Duplantis began his competition at 5.70 metres, effortlessly surpassing it by approximately one metre. He opted to skip the 5.80 mark and then soared over 5.85 metres, while his competitors struggled to keep pace.

He then cleared the 6.00 metre mark—the benchmark for many vaulters—as if it were merely a warm-up, which was sufficient for his victory.

Sam Kendricks, the world champion in 2017 and 2019 and a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympics, missed the Tokyo Games due to a positive COVID test upon his arrival. He recently discussed the challenges he faced as sponsors viewed him as "damaged goods."

His pent-up emotions were released when he matched his season's best of 5.95 metres; however, he was unable to clear 6.00 metres in three attempts, ultimately placing Duplantis as the clear winner at that height, without any failures.

Karalis, aged 24, surpassed his personal best of 5.93 meters this season and expressed his joy at clearing 5.90 meters. Although his attempts at 5.95 and 6.00 meters did not appear convincing, he was pleased to secure a bronze medal, having previously finished joint-fourth in Tokyo. This marked Greece's fourth bronze in this event, the first since 1956.

However, the excitement continued as Duplantis turned his focus to the world record. He had established the record at 6.24 meters in April and was now pursuing his ninth world record in a stadium that was entirely centered on him.

His initial two attempts were unsuccessful, as the Swedish athlete brushed the bar with his knees. Nevertheless, Duplantis, known for his ability to perform under pressure, rose to the occasion, clearing the height on his final attempt and celebrating his victory as Abba's music filled the air.

At just 24 years old, Duplantis holds the world record and is a double Olympic champion, double world champion, triple European champion, and double indoor world champion.

"I have yet to fully comprehend how incredible that moment was," he remarked. "It feels surreal, almost like an out-of-body experience.

"This is the largest platform a pole vaulter could hope for. Since childhood, my greatest aspiration has been to break the world record at the Olympics, and I achieved that in front of the most extraordinary crowd I have ever faced.

"I felt exceptionally prepared. Over the past three months, I have never been more focused. Now, I am simply looking forward to indulging in a substantial meal. The celebration is going to be quite significant."