Armand Duplantis won – just days after the WC gold.
Then he surprised even himself.
– It gives me a lot of confidence, he says.
Armand Duplantis was just as dominant in the pole vault final at the WC as everyone had expected. Despite many of his competitors jumping at the top of their abilities, and indeed giving Mondo a solid match, he still hadn’t ripped once when the gold was secured.
Won again
During the final, Duplantis made three attempts at a new world record, but was unsuccessful. After the competition, everything has been about Mondo’s thighs. He had trouble with it during a race in Monaco this summer, and his father and coach, Greg, didn’t like Duplantis trying for world records — instead of resting his thigh for upcoming races.
However, Duplantis was cleared for Thursday’s Diamond League competition in Zurich, and just days after the WC gold, there was, unsurprisingly, another win. Duplantis already secured the win at 6 meters, and despite the injury concerns, he immediately raised the bar to 6.23, a world record height. Mondo failed in the first attempt, tore the second – but was really close in the third attempt.
READ MORE: Armand Duplanti’s absolutely wonderful performance – dared the promise after major injury concerns: “I’ve told myself that”
“I am surprised”
Armand Duplantis was praised for his last attempt by both Jacob Hård and SVT expert Alhaji Jeng, and even shocked himself. Afterwards, he admitted that it was difficult to get up to speed, but that he surprised himself with the world record attempt.
– It was a little difficult at first, to wake up. It will be like that after the WC. I could feel the adrenaline rush. I am surprised by my attempts at 6.23. It gives me quite a lot of confidence for the competitions I have left, that I can actually do it.
Armand Duplantis says that he himself did not really believe he would make it – but that he now feels hopeful.
– I just wanted to wake up and get some energy, so I wanted to try for the world record. It feels like it was close. It gives me hope.
READ MORE: The Norwegian superstar’s performance against Armand Duplantis – which makes the entire athletics world rub its hands