The Duplantis Era: Redefining Pole Vaulting Excellence

Reaching New Heights In Pole Vaulting

For decades, the men’s pole vault world record was almost synonymous with two legendary names: Sergey Bubka and Renaud Lavillenie. Bubka, the Ukrainian icon, first set the bar at 5.85 metres in 1984, a record he would go on to improve 17 times. Lavillenie, the Frenchman, then pushed the record to 6.16 metres in 2014, ending Bubka’s reign. Yet, the sport was on the cusp of a new era – ushered in by a remarkable young talent known as Armand Duplantis.

The Duplantis Era: A New Standard

In February 2020, 20-year-old Duplantis, affectionately called 'Mondo', broke Lavillenie’s record by just one centimetre, clearing 6.17 metres. However, this was merely a prelude. Within a week, he raised the bar to 6.18 metres, beginning a streak of world record improvements that has continued steadily ever since. Averaging three record-breaking jumps per year, Duplantis shattered the record 13 times by August 2025, the latest being an awe-inspiring 6.29 metres at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

His nearest competitor this season, Emmanouil Karalis, managed a best of 6.08 metres, underscoring Duplantis’ dominance. With the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, all eyes are on Mondo, expected to attempt pushing the record further, possibly to an unprecedented 6.30 metres.

What Makes Duplantis Different?

Early Foundations And Self-Coaching

Duplantis’ technical prowess and mental sharpness stem from a unique upbringing. Todd Lane, a track and field coach at Louisiana State University (LSU) – where Duplantis briefly studied – emphasises that Mondo has likely vaulted more hours than anyone else worldwide. Growing up in Louisiana, with a pole vault pit installed in their backyard, the Duplantis siblings trained rigorously under the guidance of their parents, both former elite athletes.

Notably, Mondo has demonstrated a rare ability to coach himself, analysing and refining his technique constantly. His younger sister Johanna, also a professional pole vaulter, recalls how Mondo would critique her vaults immediately after school, even while still in uniform. This blend of family support and self-awareness has been crucial to his development.

Record-Breaking Progression From Youth

From a young age, Duplantis was setting international age-group records, including clearing 2.33 metres at seven and surpassing six metres by 18 – a trajectory few have matched. Such early success highlights not only natural talent but also years of disciplined training.

The Showman With A Technical Edge

Aside from his athletic accomplishments, Duplantis has grown into a charismatic figure in sport, attracting nearly two million followers on TikTok and Instagram. His musical pursuits, including his debut single 'Bop' which garnered over two million Spotify streams, reveal a multi-dimensional personality.

Yet, Johanna insists the confident and humble character we see publicly reflects who he truly is. Lane describes Mondo’s Olympic performance in Paris as “poetry in motion,” comparing it to a Broadway show in terms of flair and execution.

Mastering The Science Of Pole Vaulting

Helen Bayne of the Western Australian Institute of Sport breaks down the components of Duplantis’ technique, which sets him apart:

• Speed: Mondo reaches 10.3 metres per second on his 20-step runway, faster than most elite male vaulters (9.4-9.7 m/s), converting speed into kinetic energy.
• Timing Of Pole Drop: He controls the pole’s descent perfectly, optimising energy transfer for take-off.
• Hitting The Box: Rather than planting the pole directly in the box, he lets it slide slightly, maintaining velocity for a powerful launch.
• Close Take-Off: His foot lands just 20-30 cm ahead of his hand, maximising energy transfer and pole bend.
• Tuck And Rotation: Once airborne, Duplantis tucks and rotates efficiently to add energy, staying behind the pole as it straightens and pushing upwards to clear the bar.

This meticulous technique, combined with natural talent, explains why he’s able to clear heights well beyond his competitors.

The Strategic Mind Behind Record Breaking

Unlike some field events where records have stood for decades, the men's pole vault world record has been broken 14 times since 1994, 13 times by Duplantis alone. This incremental approach – improving by just one or two centimetres – maintains excitement and allows Duplantis to collect bonuses awarded at major events. British Olympic medalist Holly Bradshaw emphasises how this strategy keeps the sport engaging and helps raise its profile globally.

Interestingly, Duplantis sometimes pauses attempts once he reaches a height like 6.10 metres if the meet offers no bonuses for breaking the record, indicating a pragmatic approach to competition.

This strategy has parallels with other elite athletes maintaining longevity by not exhausting themselves with overly ambitious attempts every time.

The Mentality Of A Champion

Pole vault requires immense confidence and courage, traits Duplantis possesses in abundance. British pole vaulter Molly Caudery highlights Mondo’s combination of speed and mindset as “formidable.” Coach Scott Simpson likens his mentality to other sporting greats like Kobe Bryant and Tadej Pogacar, describing it as unshakeable.

Johanna Duplantis shares how their competitive family environment nurtured his mental strength, which she describes as “one of a kind.” This psychological edge is critical in a sport where hesitation can mean failure.

How Far Can Mondo Go?

Speculation about Duplantis’ ultimate potential is rife. Movement scientist Helen Bayne cites physics models suggesting a possible 6.50-metre clearance, though she cautions that these calculations don’t fully account for the complex biomechanics involved.

Holly Bradshaw admits she once doubted 6.40 metres was achievable but now believes Duplantis might defy expectations again. When asked directly, Duplantis himself sees no limit in sight, describing the next big barrier at 6.40 metres and expressing hope to keep pushing beyond.

His approach leaves fans and experts alike captivated, eager to witness how far human athletic limits can be stretched.

Conclusion: A New Era For Athletics

Armand Duplantis has not only rewritten pole vault records but revitalised the sport itself. His mix of technical mastery, strategic acumen, and charismatic presence has elevated pole vaulting’s profile worldwide. As the athletics community anticipates his next moves, it’s clear that Mondo is transforming what it means to reach new heights in sport.

For those interested in broader sports developments, how the IOC is reshaping the Olympic Games for the future offers insight into the evolving landscape of global athletics.

Similarly, football fans can explore notable team changes in the Premier League and beyond key football transfers September 2025, showing how sports across disciplines are constantly evolving.