Armand Duplantis Shatters World Record at 2024 Summer Olympics
In an electrifying display of athleticism and skill, Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter famously known as “Mondo,” captivated an audience of 80,000 at the Stade de France. Competing in the men’s pole vault final at the 2024 Summer Olympics on August 5, 2024, Duplantis not only secured another Olympic gold medal but also set a new world record in this prestigious event.
The Journey to Olympic Glory
Armand Duplantis, a 24-year-old athlete born in Louisiana but representing his mother’s native Sweden, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in pole vaulting. On this memorable night, Duplantis effortlessly cleared a height of 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches), marking the ninth time he has broken the world record. However, this achievement was particularly special as it occurred on the grandest stage of his sport — the Olympic Games.
The Final Leap
As the evening’s other events concluded, the crowd remained on their feet, eagerly anticipating Duplantis’s performance. Resting the pole on his right shoulder, he took a deep breath, raised the carbon fiber pole, and sprinted down the runway. When he soared over the pink-tinted bar and landed on the padding, he had not only secured his second Olympic gold medal but had also written his name in the history books once more.
Celebrations and Reactions
Immediately after his record-breaking leap, Duplantis sprinted to the stands to embrace his girlfriend and celebrate with friends and family adorned in yellow and blue. The moment was made even more special with the presence of Sweden’s king and queen, who witnessed this historic achievement firsthand.
Duplantis’s Reflections
“It’s hard to understand, honestly,” Duplantis remarked. “If I don’t surpass this moment in my career, then I’m pretty okay with that. I don’t think you can get much better than what just happened.”
Competing Under the Lights
The night was filled with drama and excitement, not just from Duplantis’s extraordinary feats but also from other athletic events. American sprint sensation Noah Lyles, fresh off his thrilling .005-second victory in the men’s 100 meters, was present to witness Duplantis’s remarkable performance.
A Night of Great Performances
The evening concluded with several notable events, including a slow and peculiar women’s 5,000 meters race and Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson capturing the first track medal for her country in the 800 meters. Despite these events wrapping up, the crowd stayed to witness Duplantis’s final act, a testament to his captivating presence and the high stakes of his performance.
The Four Key Factors
American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks, who finished second, attributed Duplantis’s success to four key factors:
1. Great Coaching: Duplantis has had a long-term relationship with an exceptional coach.
2. Ample Time: He has invested significant time in perfecting his craft.
3. Top-notch Equipment: Utilizing the best possible equipment has given him an edge.
4. Innate Talent: Duplantis has a natural talent for the sport, which he has honed over the years.
Duplantis vs. Bubka
By winning his second consecutive gold medal and setting the world record for the ninth time, Duplantis has positioned himself alongside, if not above, Sergei Bubka as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. Comparisons have also been made with America’s Ryan Crouser, a world-record holder and three-time gold medalist in shot put, emphasizing Duplantis’s dominance in the field events.
The Making of a Champion
Duplantis’s journey to the top is a story of dedication, hard work, and family support. Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, he trained on a pole vault pit his parents built in their backyard. These early days of practice laid the foundation for his future success, allowing him to visualize and achieve his dream of setting a world record at the Olympics.
Other Highlights from the Evening
The night also saw Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet pull off an upset in the women’s 5,000 meters, with her teammate Faith Kipyegon securing silver after a successful appeal against her initial disqualification. Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan earned the bronze, adding to her impressive medal tally from previous competitions.
Noah Lyles’s Pursuit of Gold
Noah Lyles returned to the track the day after his memorable win in the 100 meters to begin his quest for a second gold in the 200 meters. Despite getting only a little over four hours of sleep, Lyles won his opening heat and stayed to receive his gold medal for the 100 meters.
U.S. Success in the Field
Val Allman secured her second consecutive Olympic gold in the discus throw with a remarkable throw of 69.50 meters, easily surpassing China’s Feng Bin. These victories contributed to the U.S. team’s impressive medal haul, which included three golds.
Keely Hodgkinson’s Achievement
Keely Hodgkinson captured Britain’s first gold medal of the track meet by winning the 800 meters in 1:56.72. This victory added to her silver from the 2021 Olympics, making her one of the standout athletes of the event.
FAQs
What is Armand Duplantis’s new world record in pole vault?
Armand Duplantis set a new world record by clearing 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches) at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
How many times has Duplantis broken the world record?
Duplantis has broken the world record nine times in his career.
Who were some other notable athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Notable athletes included Noah Lyles, who won gold in the 100 meters, and Val Allman, who secured her second consecutive gold in the discus throw.
How did Duplantis celebrate his record-breaking achievement?
Duplantis celebrated by sprinting to the stands to hug his girlfriend and celebrate with friends and family, including Sweden’s king and queen.
What factors contribute to Duplantis’s success in pole vaulting?
Key factors include great coaching, ample training time, top-notch equipment, and natural talent.
Conclusion
Armand Duplantis’s breathtaking performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary moments in sports history. By setting a new world record and securing his second Olympic gold, Duplantis has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. His journey, marked by dedication, family support, and an unwavering passion for the sport, serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide.
