Photo: Bildbyrån
He won an impressive Olympic gold in Paris last summer, breaking the Olympic record AND the world record in the same final jump.
Now it is clear that Armand Duplantis will win the Bragdguldet in 2024. It is the second time he has received the award.
– It’s sick, actually. It’s a little hard to understand, he says.
Expectations were high, though Armand Duplantis25, solved the task gallantly. The pole vaulter won both the WC (indoor) and EC earlier in the year and this summer also brought the long-awaited Olympic gold. “Mondo” was dominant in the final and remarkably set both an Olympic record and a new world record at the same time. A world record that he then improved a few weeks later (6.26 meters).
Armand Duplantis wins the Bragdguldet
“Mondo” Duplantis is now being rewarded with the Gold of Achievement for his efforts during the summer Olympics in Paris. “For historic Olympic gold and world records. Enchanting heights and feats in a class of their own,” reads the justification. It is the 99th award of all time to be presented.
– Thank you, thank you. It feels very good. Huge honor. Thanks for this, the second time. Very special, says Duplantis, who was on the link from Baton Rouge in Louisiana.
READ MORE: Truls Möregårdh beats Armand Duplantis to win the Jerring prize
It is the second time that the Swedish-American has won the award. The last time was in 2020, when he hit Renaud Lavillenie world record of 6.16 meters. Duplantis jumped an inch higher. Already a week later, he broke his own record and set the new one at 6.18 meters. He recalls how it felt the last time he was awarded the achievement medal and compares:
– Pretty much the same feeling as last time actually. Very special. I was in the same apartment then, it almost feels like I have déjà vu. I had a very good year in 2020, last time, and I kind of did everything this year. It is a very special honor to win the achievement medal again. There were others who could win, he continues, thinking above all of the beach volleyball players Jonathan Hellvig and David Ohman and the ping pong player Truls Möregårdh.
Duplantis can never win the Gold of Achievement again
He is now one of five athletes to win twice – Ingemar Stenmark, Anja Pärson, Sarah Sjostrom and Björn Borg have done it before. He cannot therefore win it several times, that is what the statutes say.
– I am in good company. It’s sick actually. It’s a little hard to understand. This is the last time I can win. Now I’m going to start waking up and enjoying the rest of the day. I will celebrate with the family today a little later, he says about today’s celebration.
READ MORE: Armand Duplantis misses out on the award as athlete of the year
Many congratulations on the award, Armand! You are incredibly worthy of that. All Swedes are incredibly proud of you.
What do you think of “Mondo” getting his second achievement gold? Feel free to comment! Was there someone else who deserved it more? Share and like-mark the article.
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