BTN News: Armand Duplantis, the undisputed star of pole vaulting, continues to soar to new heights, both literally and figuratively. Fresh off his second Olympic gold at the Paris Games, where he astonishingly shattered his own world record by clearing 6.25 meters, Duplantis showed no signs of slowing down as he clinched an easy victory in his first competition post-Olympics. The event, held on the scenic shores of Lake Leman in Lausanne, Switzerland, was a part of a unique competition leading up to the prestigious Diamond League meeting. Despite facing mental exhaustion from his recent triumphs, the Swedish sensation once again demonstrated why he is the best in the world.
On this occasion, Duplantis cleared 6.15 meters, achieving this feat on his third and final attempt, securing his position as the event’s champion. Notably, he was the only competitor to surpass the 6-meter mark, a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency. Unlike his previous performances, Duplantis chose not to challenge his own world record this time, acknowledging the physical and mental fatigue that had been creeping in. “I was starting to get tired. This was all I could do today, and I’m happy with that,” Duplantis remarked after the event. His words reflect a deeper understanding of the pressures that come with being at the top, especially after such a monumental achievement as breaking a world record at the Olympics.
The Lausanne event provided a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Paris Olympic Stadium, where Duplantis performed before a massive audience of 75,000 spectators. In Lausanne, the atmosphere was more intimate, with a temporary setup designed specifically for the pole vault competition. The proximity to the crowd allowed for a more personal connection, something that Duplantis appreciated. “Here, you can have a good connection with the people, who are closer. It’s a really nice feeling. I like these kinds of events,” he stated, highlighting the unique charm of urban competitions.
As the Lausanne event kicked off the Diamond League’s return post-Olympics, it also marked the beginning of the final stretch of the 2024 season. Following Duplantis, American Sam Kendricks secured second place, clearing 5.92 meters. The third spot was shared among three competitors—Australian Kurtis Marschall, Filipino Ernest Obiena, and Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen—all clearing 5.82 meters. Meanwhile, French pole vaulting legend and former world record holder Renaud Lavillenie, now 37 years old, struggled to find his form, managing a height of just 5.72 meters.
This victory in Lausanne further cements Duplantis’s position as the dominant force in pole vaulting. His ability to maintain such high standards, even after the immense physical and mental demands of an Olympic Games, is a testament to his dedication and resilience. As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will continue to be on Duplantis as he pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. Whether in grand stadiums or intimate urban settings, Armand Duplantis remains the athlete to watch, as he continues to reach for the sky—literally and figuratively.
