– It was almost a blackout that I’m still processing. I didn’t jump well, I was all over the place, but I won anyway and took home the gold, even if I was a little careless, says Duplantis to SVT Sport.
It was a rough night for Duplantis who was frustrated and couldn’t get it right. He fought his way to this gold at the Indoor WC in Glasgow.
– It was the first jump tonight that he got on the timing, says the expert Alhaji Jeng after the successful jump of 5.95 where Duplantis was able to turn the competition in his favor.
Duplantis went in at 5.65, which he scheduled in the first attempt. Then he went on to 5.85 and broke his first two attempts and the athletics world couldn’t believe their eyes.
Passed 5.85 in the third attempt
All eyes in the arena were directed at Duplantis, who was coached by parents and coaches Helena and Greg Duplantis from the front row. The nervousness could be felt in the Commonwealth Arena in Glasgow.
– It still felt completely okay, even if there was a bit of pressure because it was the last attempt and anything can happen. I tried to chill and knew I didn’t have to jump my best jump to clear 5.85, says Duplantis.
– It was big because I was able to win after being so hard pressed. There were so many strange jumps and I had to change poles all the time, says Duplantis.
CUT: Duplanti’s first words after the messy World Cup final
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Armand Duplanti’s first words after the WC gold Photo: Hannah Mckay / BILDBYRÅN
Friend Kendricks took silver
He passed his third attempt with air and was able to exhale – this was one of the most pressured moments Duplantis experienced in his entire career.
Duplantis then stood over 5.90, which Sam Kendricks took with trepidation in the first attempt, tearing his first attempt at 5.95 and the agonizing evening continued for the Swede.
Duplanti’s mate Sam Kendricks was second in 5.90 and Emmanouil Karalis of Greece took the bronze in 5.85.
CUT: Armand Duplantis attempts the world record height of 6.24 meters
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Armand Duplantis broke the world record height of 6.24 meters three times. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT