PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Armand Duplantis created unforgettable sports history during the Olympics.
“Mondo” won both Olympic gold and set a new world record in Paris.
But now a huge row has been created at home in Sweden about the world star.
One of the most memorable moments of the Summer Olympics in Paris was the men’s pole vault final on Monday evening, August 5. Armand Duplantis had already promised something truly unique in advance and he certainly wouldn’t disappoint anyone.
Duplanti’s success
The Swedish world star offered a rarely seen display when he got the whole Stade de France to boil that night. First, “Mondo” won Olympic gold with ease and then he topped it all by also clearing a new world record with 6.25 meters.
The article continues below.
He then celebrated with an already classic party night in Paris, followed by a luxury holiday with his girlfriend Desire Inglander in Greece and then the Olympic hero returned home to Sweden to be celebrated at the Mall of Scandinavia. But now a huge row has been created in Uppsala, which has become strongly associated with Duplantis as he competes for Upsala IF.
Quarrel about “Mondo”
But so far he has not received any special praise from the Uppsala residents, either Truls Möregårdh who was praised by the whole of Eslöv after his home cooking. It has now created a major division among Uppsala’s municipal politicians.
– He is a world star who delivered extraordinary efforts and has an extremely clear Uppsala connection. It felt typically Swedish not to dare to be proud of what is available locally, says the municipal councilor Sofia Andersson (M) to Expressen.
READ MORE: Sarah Sjöström and Armand Duplanti’s incredible luxury gifts after the Olympic gold – show off the unique gifts that no one else has received: “Awesome”
Local newspaper UNT reports that there will be a general celebration for the entire city’s athletic achievements, in which Duplantis will be included and will not receive any tribute of his own.
– Who should we celebrate at all? Just the Olympics, WC or EC gold? Or all on the podium? We are not prepared to cover all sports and all performances. It is clear that every municipality feels a sense of pride. But should we spend tax money on building monuments? It is one thing if the association or the public thinks that a statue should be built, but why should we be the locomotive in it? says Karolin Lundström (V), chairman of the Sports and Leisure Committee for the evening newspaper.
– I need good arguments. Why should we do it right now and just for him? It’s not about him not being an outstanding athlete, but you can throw the question back at those who are critical of the municipality. If you had been genuinely interested, you should have submitted a motion much earlier.
The moderates have acted and submitted a motion in the case where they now want to see a monument placed in the city to pay tribute to Armand Duplanti’s Olympic successes. They do not at all buy the reasoning that it would be unfair to only pay tribute to Mondo in Uppsala.
– Partly, I think it sounds like dragging things out and that it shouldn’t be such a big issue. Many other municipalities have had celebrations for their outstanding athletes and we would like to have a big celebration at once. Then I can understand that you want to take a look at what kind of monument it might be, what he himself and the association want. We want that too, but I don’t understand that it should be a question that should be investigated endlessly, says municipal councilor Sofia Andersson (M) in the interview.
– The statements I have made have been after I heard the Left Party’s stance that it would be unfair to only highlight him, so that’s where the idea came from. For us, it was obvious that the municipality would hold a celebration without our motion. I think it’s sad and strange that you can’t highlight one person because it would be unfair to someone else.
What do you think of the controversy surrounding Armand Duplantis? Share the article and have your say!
Sign up for our newsletter
Share