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Armand Gustav Duplantis, known to the world as “Mondo,” has become a phenomenon in the world of athletics, particularly in pole vaulting. Born on November 10, 1999, in Lafayette, Louisiana, this Swedish-American athlete has not only broken records but has also redefined the boundaries of his sport.
Duplantis was born into a family of athletes. His father, Greg Duplantis, was a former pole vaulter, while his mother, Helena, excelled as a heptathlete and volleyball player. This athletic lineage set the stage for Mondo’s future success. Remarkably, he first attempted pole vaulting at the tender age of three, setting his first age world best at seven with a jump of 3.86 meters.
Duplantis’ ascent in the world of pole vaulting was meteoric:
- In 2015, at just 15 years old, he claimed the World U18 Championships title in Cali, Colombia
- By 2018, he had secured the European Championships gold with a world under-20 record of 6.05 meters
- In 2019, he earned silver at the World Championships in Doha
The pinnacle of Duplantis’ career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal. However, his achievements didn’t stop there. He has continued to push the boundaries of pole vaulting:
- He currently holds both the indoor and outdoor world records
- His latest indoor world record stands at an astonishing 6.24 meters, set on April 20, 2024
- Outdoors, he has cleared 6.22 meters, showcasing his consistency across all conditions
Duplantis’ exceptional performances have earned him numerous accolades:
- Two-time World Outdoor Champion (2022, 2023)
- World indoor champion
- Three-time Diamond League Final winner
- Named World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year in 2020
Despite being born and raised in the United States, Duplantis chose to represent Sweden internationally, honoring his mother’s heritage. This decision has endeared him to the Swedish public, and he has embraced his dual identity, working on improving his Swedish language skills.
At just 24 years old, Armand Duplantis has already established himself as one of the greatest pole vaulters in history. His consistent record-breaking performances and youthful energy suggest that he may continue to elevate the sport to new heights. As the world looks forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics, all eyes will be on “Mondo” to see what new records he might set and how much higher he can soar.
Armand Duplantis represents not just the pinnacle of athletic achievement but also the spirit of pushing human limits. His journey from a child prodigy to an Olympic champion and world record holder is a testament to his extraordinary talent, dedication, and the support of his athletic family. As he continues to compete, the athletics world watches in anticipation of what this pole vaulting phenomenon will achieve next.
Armand Gustav Duplantis was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on November 10, 1999, and today he is 25 years old.
The image featured in this article comes from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.