Sweden’s Armand Duplantis continued to show his pole vaulting prowess by setting his eighth world record at the first Diamond League meeting of the season in Xiamen, China.
During the competition, the 24-year-old impressively cleared the bar at 6.24 meters. This height was not only eight centimeters higher than any previous record but also more than 40 centimeters higher than his competitors that night.
After reaching this new milestone in his impressive career, the athlete from the US showed his joy by leaping off the mat and then rushing to celebrate with his team and acknowledge the audience.
He successfully cleared each vault on his initial try, including surpassing his own record-breaking one, showcasing how effortlessly he continues to push the boundaries of his sport.
And, as the Paris Olympic Games creep ever closer, Duplantis has made it clear that he hasn’t yet reached his best level.
Armand Duplantis set a new record of 6.24 meters.
Armand Duplantis set a new record of 6.24 meters.
Tingshu Wang/Reuters
"I told CNN's Amanda Davies in April that I know how to achieve those 6.30-type marks. I aim to excel in the sport by winning every competition and pushing myself to the limit in every meet I participate in.
If I can achieve a high jump or even break a world record, that would just be the icing on the cake."
In the men's 100 meters, Christian Coleman from the USA clinched the victory with a time of 10.13 seconds, narrowly beating his compatriot Fred Kerley who finished in second place, followed by Jamaica's Ackeem Blake in third.
Moving on to the women's 200 meters, the exciting race saw 19-year-old Torrie Lewis surprising everyone by winning her first Diamond League race and making a strong statement on the global stage. Despite a late surge from Sha'Carri Richardson of the USA, Lewis emerged victorious, leaving Richardson to settle for second place.
Editor's P/S:
Armand Duplantis's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. His ability to consistently push the boundaries of his sport is remarkable, and it's exciting to see what he'll achieve in the future. As he sets his sights on the Paris Olympics, it's clear that Duplantis is determined to leave a lasting legacy in pole vaulting.
The other results from the Xiamen Diamond League meeting also showcase the depth of talent in track and field. Christian Coleman's victory in the men's 100 meters highlights his status as one of the fastest sprinters in the world, while Torrie Lewis's win in the women's 200 meters demonstrates the rise of a new generation of stars. These performances set the stage for an exciting season ahead as athletes prepare for the upcoming World Championships and Olympic Games.