Duplantis Delivers a Stunning New World Record in Pole Vault for His Japanese Fans!

TOKYO (AP) — Armand “Mondo” Duplantis celebrated his third world championship with hugs and handshakes from fellow pole vaulters. After enjoying the moment with his family, he turned back to the crowd for a memorable encore.

He cleared 6.30 meters, marking the 14th world record of his career. The crowd of 53,000 didn’t budge, fully invested in the spectacle. “To enjoy this world record with them is super special,” Duplantis expressed. He recalled his last visit to the stadium during the eerie, spectator-free COVID Olympics in 2021. Back then, he only secured a gold medal, missing out on the thrill of the crowd.

This time, the atmosphere was electric, with fans clapping rhythmically as he prepared for each jump. After clearing 6.10 meters, Duplantis playfully mimicked baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki’s pre-bat routine, aiming to connect with his brother in the stands. “It was just something fun,” he said.

Mondo won $70,000 for his victory, plus a $100,000 bonus for setting a world record. But for him, the joy of performing at his best outweighs the money. “I know the level I can compete at,” he said, emphasizing his self-driven motivation.

Since February 2020, Duplantis has broken records on three continents and nine countries. He considers 6.30 meters a significant milestone. “It sounds cleaner than 6.29,” he added, hinting at the possibility of reaching 6.5 meters in the future. At just 25, he has a long career ahead, especially compared to legends like Sergey Bubka, who was 31 when he achieved his last record.

“Mondo has what every pole vaulter strives for,” said Sam Kendricks, a former world champion. “He has skill, support, and strong competition pushing him higher.”

In another stunning turn, Ditaji Kambundji from Switzerland shocked everyone by winning gold in the 100-meter hurdles, finishing in a personal-best time of 12.24 seconds. Her reaction said it all as she stared and gasped when she saw her name at the top of the scoreboard.

Meanwhile, heartbreak struck in the steeplechase when Soufiane El Bakkali, a two-time world champion, lost by just 0.07 seconds to New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish. Despite his disappointment, he shared a moment of camaraderie with Beamish afterward.

The world of athletics continues to surprise, with competitors pushing boundaries and showcasing their talent in unforgettable ways. For more on this event, visit AP Sports.

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Track and field, Mondo Duplantis, AP Top News, Sergey Bubka, Sweden, Louisiana, Sports, Oluwatobiloba Amusan, Sam Kendricks, Grace Stark