Fresh from yet another world record and with a third consecutive world title in sight, pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis is ready to elevate his sport once more.
The Swedish star soared to new heights on Tuesday, clearing 6.29 metres at the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. It marked the 13th time Duplantis has broken the world record and sets the stage for a headline-making appearance at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
“The natural next step would be 6.30. And I think that would be a huge barrier to cross for me and for the sport in general,” Duplantis told reporters on Thursday. “I’ll be there soon. And then I guess naturally I’ll just keep looking forward whenever I’m able to cross that, hopefully in the near future. As far as the limit, I don’t really think about it.”
Duplantis, now 25, first announced himself to the world in 2020 when he cleared 6.17 metres, surpassing Renaud Lavillenie’s 2014 record. Since then, he has consistently redefined the standard in pole vaulting.
In Tokyo, where the World Championships will be held from 13–21 September, Duplantis returns to the scene of his Olympic breakthrough. He claimed his first Olympic gold there during the COVID-delayed 2021 Games, held without spectators due to pandemic restrictions.
This time, he will be performing in front of a full crowd, a prospect that clearly excites him.
“I haven’t been this excited about a competition maybe ever,” said Duplantis, who will also compete at the Silesia Diamond League meet on Saturday and the circuit’s finale in Zurich later this month.
“It’s going to be such an amazing stadium when it’s more full and has the energy of the crowd. I think that definitely should give me a good push.”
