And just like that, Mondo Duplantis has made history again! He established a new world record in the pole vault at the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo. The American-born athlete, now competing for Sweden, put on a dazzling display. To win the gold medal, he flew to a phenomenal jump of 6.3 meters (20 feet, 8 inches) on his third try. With this new achievement, Duplantis’s 14th world record, he earns a third consecutive world title.
This photo was taken during the 2020 Summer Olympics at Tokyo’s National Stadium, as the enormous crowd cheered his opening act. In fact, Duplantis came within a whisker of clearing the height on his first two attempts. As he prepared for his last leap, he electrified the crowd. The energy in the arena was electric, with fans erupting as he soared through the air. His Olympic vault barely touched the bar as it wobbled before falling into place, confirming his new world-record-setting jump.
At that point, though, Duplantis had already secured the gold medal. Then, to prove it was his day, he cleared the bar at a staggering 6.3 meters. He had a remarkable season as well, earlier this year in Budapest setting the world record height of 6.29 meters. This accomplishment was a testament to his strong, regular performance all year. At just 25 years old, Duplantis has now set this world record for the fourth time this season already.
The audience’s encouragement crackled like lightning across the room, electrifying his performance. His family’s presence had fanned his emotional jump-for-joy celebration into a full-blown on-track party. Once on solid ground, Duplantis was met by his competitors, who congratulated him on his record-setting feat. Their standing ovation was a fitting illustration of the respect and admiration he has earned from the world athletics community.
Since 2014, Duplantis has broken nine world records—the last just over a month ago. He is a two-time Olympic champion, further establishing his legacy as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. His ability to push the boundaries of the sport has been largely unparalleled and has motivated aspiring athletes across the globe.
