“Can say I’m used to…”

A more pressured situation could hardly be put in, and Duplantis knew he had only one hope to advance in the competition. And with the knife to his throat, Duplantis made a good jump, getting over the bar by a margin. Duplantis then managed both 5.95, however in the second attempt, and also 6.05. Duplantis then also had three decent attempts at a new world record, 6.24, but without success. However, Duplantis won WC gold, and considering the pressure it was in, it has to be considered one of his most impressive competitions ever.

Revealing the truth

Duplantis himself was aware that it was a leaden situation, and he said afterward that he was almost in a blackout. But for Duplantis, difficult and stressful situations are nothing new – and one of his great strengths is handling them so well. And there is an explanation for that.

– When I was competing against my brothers in the back of my house when I was little… it was insanely tough. There was perhaps more pressure and tension in those moments than now, so you could say I’m used to it…, says Duplantis to Finnish EPN.

Duplantis says that confidence is always something he can fall back on.

– I know what I can do. No matter what the situation is, I believe in myself. I always try to think positively and that I have a chance. That is the most important thing, to never give up. As long as you believe in yourself, you will win, he says.