On a humid night in Tokyo, Sweden’s pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis soared higher than ever before, clearing a staggering 6.30m to win gold at the World Athletics Championships on Monday (15).
It was his third world title, adding to victories in Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023. But Duplantis has a knack for drama that goes beyond gold. He broke the world record at the 2022 World Championships and again at the Paris Olympics last year.
World record number 14
Tokyo marked the 14th world record of his career – and his fourth in 2025 alone. It took him three attempts and with the entire stadium rapt, he slid over the bar at his final attempt.
He had a near miss in his second attempt, but with all eyes upon him, he steeled himself and gave the crowd what they most wanted to see.
Earlier, he had clinched gold with a flawless card up to 6.15m, before the inevitable record attempts ensued.
In a bold bid to win, Emmanouil Karalis followed him through the heights, trying at 6.10m, 6.15m and 6.20m, but after some marginal failures, he settled for silver with his best clearance at 6.00m.
It was his 12th competition with a six metre clearance this year and the Greek athlete affirmed his status as the clear world number two to Mondo. Australia’s Kurtis Marschall won bronze with 5.95m.
But the night belonged to Mondo, winning his 13th major title and doing it in characteristic record-breaking style in the championship arena.
"I knew I had the record in me"
"I am so happy, I cannot explain it," said Mondo afterwards. "For the past two weeks I really enjoyed being in Tokyo. I have been enjoying everything so much. I feel the only way to leave Japan was to set the world record. That was my mentality.
"I don't know what is next for me at this moment, I don't care. I will just enjoy this right now. I was feeling really good the whole day. I knew I had the record in me. If I have the right runway I know that everything is possible. I am glad it all worked out.
"As soon as I take off, from transition from the ground through the air, I know if the jump is going to be valid. I know if I've transferred enough energy or it's not really going to work out. The run says it all, everything is about speed. As long as I have that right, I know it will work out for me.
"I am proud of myself for winning the World Championships when it mattered most, setting the world record is a bonus. I guess there is not a limit for me. Maybe I am the one to find out what the limit in pole vault really is. Today was a pretty much a dream competition. I was not alone at a lot of heights.
"Emmanouil was pushing me a lot. I have never jumped at 6.20m and had another guy with me. That's quite special. I got juices from it. I am very proud of him for performing, not only today but throughout the season. He is pushing me and making me a better jumper. He got the best out of me too. Looking at 6.40 metres, that's a new barrier in pole vaulting. That's a new chapter."
