The men’s pole vault competition at the Stockholm Diamond League produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 athletics season as Australia’s Kurtis Marschall defeated world-record holder Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, ending the Swedish superstar’s extraordinary unbeaten run.
Competing in front of a home crowd, Duplantis entered the meet as the overwhelming favourite. However, the two-time Olympic champion was unable to find his usual rhythm and finished second after clearing 5.80m. Marschall, meanwhile, delivered a composed performance and successfully cleared 5.90m to secure victory and his first-ever Diamond League title.
The result brought an end to Duplantis’ remarkable streak of 40 consecutive victories, a run that had lasted nearly three years. It was also the first time the Swedish pole vault icon had been beaten since the Monaco Diamond League in July 2023.
A Career-Defining Victory
For Marschall, the win represented much more than a Diamond League triumph. The Australian, a regular contender on the international circuit and multiple global medalist, finally broke through on one of athletics’ biggest stages.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the occasion, Marschall capitalized on Duplantis’ rare off day. His clearance of 5.90m proved enough to secure the victory, while the Swedish star failed in his attempts at higher heights.
The Australian later described the victory as a huge confidence boost and indicated that he wants to carry this momentum into the next Diamond League meeting in Oslo.
What Happened to Duplantis?
Duplantis arrived in Stockholm hoping to thrill fans at the same stadium where he had produced record-breaking performances in recent years. Instead, he struggled to clear heights that he normally handles comfortably.
After managing 5.80m, the world record holder failed at 6.00m and 6.05m, allowing Marschall to seize the opportunity. Despite the defeat, Duplantis remains the undisputed benchmark in men’s pole vault and is still the owner of the world record of 6.31m.
The loss was only a minor setback in what has been one of the most dominant eras ever seen in track and field.
Key Results – Men’s Pole Vault (Stockholm Diamond League 2026)
Kurtis Marschall (Australia) – 5.90m
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis (Sweden) – 5.80m
Baptiste Thiery (France) – 5.80m
Why This Win Matters
First Diamond League victory of Marschall’s career.
Ended Duplantis’ streak of 40 consecutive wins.
Handed the Swedish star his first defeat since July 2023.
Gives Marschall major momentum ahead of the Oslo Diamond League.
One of the biggest upsets in athletics during the 2026 season.
As the Diamond League season moves to Oslo, all eyes will be on Marschall to see whether he can build on this breakthrough moment. The Australian has already achieved something very few athletes have managed in recent years—beating Mondo Duplantis in a major competition.
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