Budapest : Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has once again rewritten athletics history, setting the men’s pole vault world record for the 13th time with a breathtaking clearance of 6.29 meters at the Gyulai István Memorial in Budapest. The Swedish superstar, who has made a career out of inching past his own limits, added yet another centimeter to his previous best of 6.28 meters set just two months ago in Stockholm.
The 25-year-old phenomenon first burst onto the scene in February 2020, breaking Renaud Lavillenie’s long-standing 6.16-meter mark with a leap of 6.17 meters. Since then, he has relentlessly pushed the bar higher, literally and figuratively, with each record often surpassing the last by a mere centimeter. What makes Duplantis remarkable is not just the number of his records but the consistency and precision with which he achieves them—backed by flawless technique, lightning sprint speed, and ice-cool composure under pressure.
Born to a family steeped in athletics—his father and coach Greg Duplantis being a former U.S. vaulter, and his mother Helena a former Swedish heptathlete—Mondo’s talent was nurtured from a young age. He now stands as a two-time Olympic champion, multiple-time world champion, and winner of 36 consecutive competitions since 2024. His latest triumph not only cements his dominance but also keeps him on track for a historic third straight world outdoor pole vault title, a feat achieved only by the legendary Sergey Bubka.
In Budapest, the crowd roared as Duplantis sailed over the bar, celebrating with his family and partner. The moment was more than just a number—it was another chapter in the ongoing story of one of sport’s greatest perfectionists, a man who continues to redefine the limits of human flight, one centimeter at a time.
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