Mondo Duplantis: Pursuing Pole Vault Supremacy with Record-breaking Success

Mondo Duplantis, the pole vault star, is one of the most dominant athletes in his discipline. He has broken the world record an incredible seven times.

At last year's world championships, he set a new record of 6.23 meters. This height is seven centimeters higher than any other athlete has ever achieved in the history of pole vaulting. It truly shows his unmatched skill and dominance in the sport over the past four years.

Duplantis has an impressive collection of medals, including an Olympic gold and four world championship titles - two indoor and two outdoor. He is now aiming for more Olympic success in Paris later this year.

Despite his already impressive achievements, Duplantis assures us that he is not finished breaking world records.

"I believe that in the near future, I aim to raise my performance to the best of my ability to set a new world record," he shares with CNN Sport's Amanda Davies. "I am confident that I can achieve greater heights and surpass my current achievements.

"I am aware of the steps I need to take to reach heights such as 6.30 meters. My goal is to excel in the sport, striving to win every competition and push myself to the limit in every event I participate in.

Jumping a world record would just be the cherry on top if I can already jump high.

The Duplantis family has a strong sporting background: his father was a successful pole vaulter and his mother competed in heptathlon for Sweden.

He started pole vaulting when he was just three years old, learning the sport in his parents' backyard in Lafayette, Louisiana. They set up a special area with a runway, bar, and crash mat for him and his siblings to practice on.

Duplantis competes at the 2024 Indoor World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Duplantis competes at the 2024 Indoor World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Duplantis has been involved in the sport since childhood, his passion turning into a successful career as he grew older.

He never gets tired of the exhilarating experience of soaring into the air, arching his body over a bar, and gracefully descending back to the ground.

"It's something unique," he explains. "It's difficult to compare to other experiences. When you nail it, it feels like you're having a little dance with the pole.

"It happens quickly. I feel like when I'm at the top of my game, fully focused, and everything aligns perfectly, it's an amazing feeling. It's like catching the perfect wave."

Pole vault is considered one of the more technical events in track and field, requiring a combination of speed, strength, and flexibility. According to Duplantis, the mental aspect is just as crucial as the physical demands.

In his own words, Duplantis describes pole vaulting as a sport that requires a certain level of fearlessness and daring. He believes that individuals who participate in pole vaulting need to have a bit of a crazy side because of the unique and somewhat intimidating nature of the sport.

"You need to have courage to challenge yourself. It's normal to feel uneasy when you're aiming for higher goals, facing longer obstacles, and constantly pushing your limits."

Duplantis (center) celebrates his second world indoor title.

Duplantis (center) celebrates his second world indoor title.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Duplantis, born and raised in Louisiana, holds both Swedish and American citizenship. Despite this, he represents his mother's native country in international competitions.

He is highly favored to retain his gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics starting on July 26. However, he faced challenges in winning his second indoor world title last month. At a height of 5.85m, which he typically clears effortlessly, he struggled and failed twice before ultimately succeeding.

He ultimately achieved a world-leading height of 6.05m, surpassing American Sam Kendricks by 15 centimeters who placed second, and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis by 20 centimeters who placed third.

Duplantis confessed that this competition was the toughest he had ever experienced, but he is optimistic that his upcoming events will be more successful as he prepares for the outdoor season and the Olympics.

Duplantis may find it helpful to remember his long history with the pole vault when things don't go as planned, even though the stakes are higher and the audiences are larger now than when he first started.

He reflects, "It's still the same pole vault event that I've been doing since I was a small child jumping in my backyard. I am improving as the year progresses, which is really exciting. I am definitely living my dream."

Editor's P/S:

Mondo Duplantis' relentless pursuit of excellence is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. His ability to soar to unprecedented heights, both physically and metaphorically, is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Duplantis' unwavering belief in his abilities, coupled with his relentless drive to push the boundaries of human performance, sets him apart as a true icon of the sport.

The article highlights the importance of mental fortitude in pole vaulting, a discipline that requires a delicate balance of physical prowess and psychological resilience. Duplantis' candid admission that the sport demands a certain level of fearlessness and daring underscores the unique blend of athleticism and mental toughness that pole vaulters must possess. His ability to overcome challenges, such as the struggles he faced in winning his second indoor world title, demonstrates his unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.