Mondo Duplantis, the Olympic and World Pole Vault Champion, Sets Sights on Improving World Record
Dominant Performance at All Star Perche Event
World-leading 6.02m clearance
At the All Star Perche event in Clermont-Ferrand on 22 February, Mondo Duplantis, the Swedish star, achieved his first six-metre-plus clearance of the season, soaring a world-leading 6.02m. He went on to attempt 6.24m, which would have added a centimetre to his most recent world record set in Eugene last September, coming close on his second try.
Aiming to Retain World Indoor Title
Prior to this performance, Duplantis had not quite reached the heights he had hoped for, clearing 5.80m in Astana and 5.92m in Uppsala. However, the 24-year-old heads to Glasgow as the overwhelming favorite to retain the world indoor title he won for the first time in Belgrade two years ago. This achievement is part of an impressive CV that also includes two world gold medals and an Olympic title, which he’ll aim to defend in the upcoming Paris Games.
Significance of World Indoor Championships in Glasgow
The World Indoor Championships in Glasgow hold special significance for Duplantis, as it was the scene of his second world record of 6.18m, set just six days after he achieved the feat for the first time with a 6.17m clearance in Torun. The Swedish superstar has now improved the world record on seven occasions and has soared six metres or higher a total of 75 times, and he’ll be eager to add to these impressive tallies in Glasgow.
Fierce Competition in Pole Vault Events
“The competition in the men’s pole vault is set to be fierce, with several other athletes keen to make their mark.”
The competition in the men’s pole vault is set to be fierce, with several other athletes keen to make their mark. USA’s Chris Nilsen, the bronze medalist at the 2022 World Indoor Championships, has already cleared six metres this season, while two-time world champion and two-time world indoor silver medalist Sam Kendricks, as well as Philippines’ two-time world medalist and Asian record-holder Ernest John Obiena, will also be in the mix.
In the women’s pole vault, the Olympic and world champion Katie Moon goes up against the two-time defending champion Sandi Morris, the world leader Molly Caudery, and several other athletes who have surpassed 4.80m this season. The competition promises to be intense, with medal contenders like Caudery, Eliza McCartney, and Wilma Murto all aiming to make their presence felt.
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