Armand Duplanti’s sadness: The world champion is dead – was only 29 years old: “Very sad”

He won WC gold in pole vaulting in 2015.
Now Shawn Barber is dead – and is being mourned by Armand Duplantis.
– Mondo is very sad, says Greg Duplantis to Aftonbladet.

The shock news came on Thursday evening and now Shawn Barber is mourned by the entire sports world. In 2015, the Canadian won the WC final in Beijing in the pole vault when he jumped 5.90. He had jumped 6.00 as the highest, and it is still a Canadian record.

Just turned 29 years old

However, Barber did not compete continuously after his World Cup gold, and he reportedly had health problems in recent years. On Wednesday he died, only 29 years old. According to North American media, the cause of death is not known, but his agent has said that it is due to “medical complications”.

And now Barber is mourned by, among others, Armand Duplantis.

– Shawn was very kind and caring towards Mondo. Yes, he was like that to everyone. It’s not something I’m saying just because he’s just passed away, but he was really a good person who was always willing to extend a hand and help, says Mondo Duplanti’s father Greg to Aftonbladet.

Mondo’s great sadness

The world of pole vaulting isn’t very big, and Mondo and Shawn have been in contact many times over the years.

– Everyone in pole vaulting is like a big family and Shawn was part of it, even after he quit. He and Mondo have stayed in touch and text each other regularly. I spoke to Mondo briefly and he is very sorry, says Greg.

According to Greg, it was known in the pole vaulting world that Shawn Barber had health problems.

– Of course, it is always shocking when something like this happens, at the same time you have been aware that something terrible could be about to happen, because Shawn had a lot of problems. It is incredibly tragic. Such a young, talented and nice person. Yes, it is one big tragedy, says Greg Duplantis.