Armand Duplantis goes to the Olympics with big dreams.
And not just about gold.
– That’s the least I want to achieve, says the pole vault star.
Armand Duplantis is one of the absolute biggest favorites of the entire Olympics when it is decided in Paris this summer. Mondo has barely lost a competition in recent years, and is the reigning WC and Olympic champion.
Huge favorite in the Olympics
Armand Duplantis won another WC indoor gold as recently as earlier this spring, and he himself has spoken openly about how much it means to him to compete wearing the Swedish suit during major championships. But it is more than just gold that many are counting on during this summer’s competitions.
Mondo has an almost rare ability to be at his best when it matters most. The last time he won WC gold outdoors, he also took the opportunity to break a new world record, and this summer the hopes of many are that it will be repeated. But for Mondo, there is above all another height in sight.
Unexpected goal
Armand Duplantis holds several world records, both indoors and outdoors, and has also won everything there is to win. But he still lacks one record: Namely the official Olympic record.
– I think that, in a competition like the Olympics, winning is the most important thing, and breaking a world record comes second, a bit like the icing on the cake. But of course I want to at least break a new Olympic record, which Thiago Braz has had at 6.03 since 2016, says Mondo to Spanish Marca.
When Armand Duplantis won Olympic gold in 2020 (2021 due to the pandemic), he “only” jumped 6.02. But Duplantis believes that it will not be easy.
– I don’t put unnecessary pressure and expectations on myself. But the fact is, I’m the favorite for a reason, and I just have to accept that. I know if I just jump like I normally do, everything will work out. I should come back from Paris with a gold, because I am the best jumper, and every time I compete I have that confidence.
Sign up for our newsletter
Share