Armand Duplantis vaulted to a fourth successive title in the pole vault at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Sunday (16).
And the Swede upped his championship record with a first-time clearance at 6.15m.
In summary
- Armand Duplantis vaults over a championship record of 6.15m
- Emmanouil Karalis threatens but has to settle for another major silver
- Baptiste Thiery vaults to bronze
Not since the 2019 World Athletics Championships has Duplantis been bested in a major competition but for the first time since his pole vault reign began, there were some lingering doubts about his form and fitness.
Duplantis was beaten for the first time in three years in Stockholm in June, he retired from his last competition in London in July with a groin twinge and he faced a credible challenge from his long-time friend and contemporary Emmanouil Karalis who has cleared 6.17m this year to become the second highest vaulter in history.
But Duplantis, watched on by his wife Desiree who was sitting next to Australian pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall, was back close to his best on a stage which he has dominated since breaking through as a teenager at the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin where he cleared 6.05m.
An initial failure at 6.00m by Duplantis left the door ajar for Karalis but having cleared that height on his second attempt, the 15-time world record-holder found flawless form for the remainder of the competition. He cleared 6.10m and then a championship record of 6.15m with first-time vaults before calling it a night on a chilly evening under the lights in the Alexander Stadium.
Karalis matched Duplantis with a second-time clearance at 6.00m before showing clear glimpses of the form he showed during the indoor season by almost matching Duplantis at 6.10m. The charismatic Greek brushed the crossbar with his chest and was on the cusp of celebration before the crossbar tumbled down with him, handing the initiative to the three-time champion.
Karalis had subsequent attempts at 6.15m and 6.20m, both of which proved in vain as France's former decathlete Baptiste Thiery won bronze with 5.85m.
What they said
Armand Duplantis (SWE)
"It feels amazing. I am trying not to take it for granted. Four of these in a row is a really amazing feat, so I am trying to soak it all in and enjoy it. I am proud of my whole journey - and am proud to be here. It was an amazing night - really special. The lead-up has been very difficult and stressful but luckily I was able to make it work. I had a great team of people around me, who worked really hard to be here. That is something to be proud of."
"I am so thankful for all the help I received. I was here in one piece and felt good in the body, too. Being here healthy and winning gold is great. I think Emmanouil Karalis (GRE) brings that out of me, and he brings the best out of the sport. It is a good thing for everybody. I am really proud of the way he jumped today and stepped up."
Emmanouil Karalis (GRE)
"I felt that fire I wanted from myself today. I was able to jump as well as I can and that's all I can ask for. I had fun out there. Hopefully, at the next competition, I can jump even higher. I feel I need to improve technically in all areas. It's a minor thing really that will eventually come with belief and more time. Overall though, My jump was very good. Small details just need to improve. Mondo was saying to me when we finished that we need to go get a beer together. He's gonna text me later to see where we can go. Should be a fun night."
Baptiste Thiery (FRA)
"I am very satisfied with bronze. I had the good position during all season and I think this is what I deserved today. It was a great competition with great performances and for me, this was the perfect condition to win this medal. To share the podium with Duplantis and Karalis, that is an honour. But next time, I will jump higher to get closer to them."