Born To Fly
The competitive edge that has turned Armand Duplantis into a global phenom
Few athletes in the world have enjoyed a meteoric rise to success quite like Duplantis. Since the onset of 2020, he has shattered the world record an astonishing seven times, culminating in a jaw-dropping leap of 6.23 meters at a prestigious Diamond League event held in Eugene, Oregon. Alongside these record-breaking feats, the charismatic performer, proudly representing Sweden since 2015, has clinched three world championships, secured three Diamond League season titles, and joined the elite six-meter-high club on more than 70 occasions.
To contextualize Duplantis’s dominance, consider this: between the turn of the millennium and the summer of 2023, a mere nine vaulters managed to surpass the six-meter mark. And then there’s the Olympic gold medal he triumphantly brought home from Tokyo in 2021. It’s little wonder that Duplantis has drawn comparisons to another titan of athletics – Usain Bolt.
Yet, Duplantis’s journey to pole vaulting stardom is a tale that spans continents and generations. Born into a family steeped in athletic prowess, with an American father who was a pole vaulter and a Swedish mother who excelled in heptathlon and volleyball, Mondo’s affinity for the pole began as early as three years old. By the age of seven, he had already begun etching his name into the annals of age-group world records, setting the stage for a remarkable career trajectory.
Despite his Louisiana roots, Duplantis’s sights are set on global stages, with an upcoming trip to Paris igniting his competitive spirit. Reflecting on his previous Olympic experience during the pandemic, he acknowledges a sense of incompleteness due to the absence of spectators. However, with anticipation building for the Paris Games, Duplantis is fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Pole vaulting, a sport often likened to a captivating circus act, demands a diverse skill set encompassing elements of sprinting, gymnastics, spatial awareness, and technical precision. Duplantis’s arsenal of talents is matched only by his relentless work ethic and mindful approach to training, prioritizing longevity over short-term gains.
Despite the monumental expectations that accompany his record-breaking performances, Duplantis remains grounded, viewing each height not as a world record but as a personal best. His philosophy centers on continuous improvement without unnecessarily magnifying the stakes.
Away from the track, Duplantis embraces a balanced lifestyle, finding solace in hip-hop, golf, and cherished moments with loved ones across continents. While he may exude a laid-back demeanor off the field, the transformation into a fierce competitor upon stepping onto the track is undeniable, illustrating the duality of his persona.
In essence, Duplantis’s journey embodies a harmonious blend of dedication, athleticism, and joie de vivre, transcending the boundaries of sport to inspire audiences worldwide.