For track and field fans, Mondo Duplantis is a name that electrifies the air like a perfectly executed pole vault. At just 25, the Swedish-American phenom has solidified his place as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, shattering world records and soaring over bars that once seemed unreachable. With 11 world records under his belt from February 2020 to February 2025, including his latest jaw-dropping 6.27m leap at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, Duplantis has redefined what’s possible in the sport, turning pole vaulting into a spectacle of athletic mastery.

However, Duplantis faced a different kind of challenge at the Xiamen Diamond League. Though he cleared 5.92m to secure victory, the competition wasn’t without its struggles. The Swedish star found himself battling against the odds as he failed to clear three attempts at 6.01 m, marking a stark contrast to his record-breaking performance at the same venue last year, where he set the meet record at 6.24m. What made the competition even more intriguing was the injury suffered by his rival, who, despite a busted lip, managed to come second in the event.

In an interview with CITIUS MAG on YouTube, Mondo Duplantis candidly discussed the challenges of the day, admitting that it wasn’t the easiest of competitions. “I guess it wasn’t, uh, wasn’t the easiest day out there,” he said. “I think probably for most of the guys, we had a little bit of trouble with the wind at times, but also, I think that for the most part, a lot of people weren’t just feeling the sharpness in their legs,” Mondo added.  Despite the setbacks, he remained optimistic, highlighting that, “Hopefully we can be a little more sharp and a little more poppy on the next leg of this China trip.” The competition was intense, with Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis making a strong bid for the win. Karalis cleared 5.82m but suffered a painful injury when his attempt at 5.92m went wrong.

The fall resulted in a tear near his lip, forcing him to withdraw from the event. Despite this, his earlier jumps were enough to secure him second place. Karalis’ resilience was commendable, highlighting the mental toughness required in pole vaulting. Mondo, however, remained undeterred by the intense competition and cleared 5.92m with his signature precision. Reflecting on his performance, he expressed, “Overall, it was… good fun. Glad to be able to come away with the win. It was a really good crowd, great atmosphere, and whatnot, and also a great stadium.” This victory was another testament to his extraordinary consistency and calm under pressure.

While Duplantis proved his dominance once again, the resilience of his competitors, especially Karalis, also highlighted the toughness required in the sport. Duplantis, who has consistently been at the top, will likely take this performance as motivation to push his limits even further in upcoming events.

Mondo Duplantis reflects on pressure and staying grounded

Mondo Duplantis, in an interview with Olympics.com, opened up about the immense pressure of consistently breaking records. A weight he compares to that carried by sprinting legend Usain Bolt. “Pressure is a privilege,” Duplantis said, embracing the high expectations with a grin. By the age of 21, Duplantis had already shattered the world record and secured Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2021 Games, a testament to his early dominance in the sport. With 11 world records in just five years, he’s not only chasing history but actively shaping it.

Despite the constant spotlight, Duplantis remains remarkably grounded. While Bolt’s career was defined by a mix of swagger and humility, Duplantis too manages to stay level-headed under similar pressure. “I understand pole vaulting, and I understand that I am not going to be able to break the world record every meet,” Duplantis explained, highlighting his realistic approach to the sport. This perspective allows him to handle the weight of expectations without letting it derail his focus or performance.

What truly sets Duplantis apart is his methodical and realistic mindset. He approaches each competition with a careful assessment of the variables. Weather, his physical condition, and the setup. “I know the times when I have a good chance, or I have a chance at least, as far as the setup, the weather, how I feel, my body, and whatnot,” he said. This strategic awareness mirrors Bolt’s ability to read a race and time his peak performance, allowing Duplantis to manage his goals with the same precision and poise.