In a historic moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sweden’s Armand Duplantis shattered his own world record in pole vaulting, defending his Olympic title with a remarkable leap of 6.25 metres. The event, held at the Stade de France, captivated the 69,000-strong crowd, marking yet another milestone in Duplantis’ illustrious career.
Duplantis, often hailed as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, surpassed his previous record of 6.24 metres, which he set just months earlier at the Xiamen Diamond League meet in April. This achievement in Paris marked the ninth occasion on which Duplantis has broken the world record, further solidifying his dominance in the sport.
The competition was fierce, with Team USA’s Sam Kendricks securing the silver medal with a best jump of 5.95 metres. Meanwhile, Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis earned the bronze with a height of 5.90 metres, a result determined by countback. Despite the strong performances from his competitors, Duplantis remained in a league of his own, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in pole vaulting.
Duplantis’ victory in Paris was not just about setting a new world record; it also had significant historical implications. By winning gold, he became the first man since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956 to retain the Olympic pole vault title. This achievement places Duplantis in an elite category of athletes who have successfully defended their titles on the world’s biggest stage.
After securing his historic victory, Duplantis took a moment to soak in the atmosphere at the Stade de France. Draped in the Swedish flag, he embarked on an emotional lap of honour around the track, with Abba’s “Dancing Queen” playing in the background, a fitting tribute to his Swedish heritage. The crowd’s applause was a testament to the athlete’s incredible talent and the significance of his achievement.
Duplantis’ journey to the top has been characterised by relentless dedication, innovation, and a deep love for the sport. Born in the United States to a Swedish mother and an American father, Duplantis has represented Sweden with pride, bringing home numerous accolades and inspiring a new generation of pole vaulters.
As the dust settles on his latest achievement, the question on everyone’s mind is: How much higher can Armand Duplantis go? With each competition, he continues to push the limits, and it seems likely that he will set even more records in the future. For now, however, the world celebrates his remarkable success and the lasting legacy he is building in the world of athletics.
