“It’s a surreal feeling, really, I still don’t know how to explain it,” said Mondo Duplantis, sounding like he was still trying to wrap his head around his own greatness. The 24-year-old pole vaulting sensation was basking in the glow of his Paris Olympics triumph at the Stade de France, where 70,000 fans—including Swedish royalty, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Queen Silvia—joined his family, coaches, and even his rivals in a rhythmic clap to celebrate his historic achievement.

The Swede didn’t just retain his Olympic title; he put on a show. First, he nailed a jump of 6.00 m, then upped the ante by clearing 6.10 m to break the Olympic record. But Mondo wasn’t done—he went on to set a new world record of 6.25 m on his third attempt, smashing his own Olympic record just 20 minutes after setting it! This marked the ninth time Duplantis has broken the world record, topping the 6.24 m he set earlier this year at the Xiamen Diamond League.

2020 was the year that Mondo Duplantis finally put all the pieces of the puzzle together. In February, in Toruń, Poland, he cleared 6.17 m, breaking the almost six-year-old world record held by his childhood hero, Renaud Lavillenie. It was the culmination of a lifetime of dedication and hard work. These accomplishments didn’t just earn him a place in the record books—they literally changed the landscape. The government even updated a landmark in his honor, reflecting just how monumental his achievements are!

In Avesta, Sweden—Mondo Duplantis’ mom’s hometown—there’s a quirky little landmark that’s become a lot more meaningful thanks to him. The world’s largest Dala horse, usually just a fun tourist attraction, now proudly flaunts a connection to the pole vault king. Back in 2020, when Mondo first shattered the world record at 6.17m, they started displaying his height next to the horse for comparison. And with every new record he sets, they’ve been upping that number. After his historic Olympic gold in Paris, they’ve updated it again, now showcasing his latest leap of 6.25m—a perfect nod to his sky-high achievements.

And this isn’t the end of the love for Mondo; the tributes and gifts keep rolling in for the Olympic champ! “We welcomed Sarah and Mondo back from Paris with a little something that we think will go well with their shiny souvenirs.” Swedish automaker Polestar, known for producing electric vehicles, shared an Instagram story showing the duo admiring a luxurious golden car.

It seems their medals aren’t the only things shimmering in gold—the $50,000 gift joins the list. Mondo Duplantis, along with Sarah Sjöström, who clinched gold in the 100-meter freestyle, were captured proudly beside the car under the caption “Swedish Gold.” 

This is merely the dawn of what lies ahead for the soaring Pole Vault sensation. As we poder the well-deserved honors from his proud nation and marvel at how he’s redefined the limits of his sport, here’s something you might not know: the Olympic champion we admire today nearly turned his back on pole vaulting altogether!

Mondo Duplantis: From near-quits to sky-high glory

Born into an athletic family where his father’s pole vaulting prowess reached a personal best of 5.80 meters, Mondo Duplantis began his sporting journey at the tender age of three. With a family rich in various athletic talents, it’s no surprise that Mondo’s path to greatness unfolded with remarkable ease.

As a child, Mondo’s days were filled with the thrill of soccer and the excitement of baseball. His young heart danced between these two worlds until one summer, when he was just 12, he made a bold switch, trading his pole vault for a baseball bat. Mondo Duplantis immersed himself fully in the game of baseball, but as time went on, the moment of truth arrived. Mondo faced a crossroads where he had to choose between his beloved sports.

It was then that he let go of baseball, ultimately embracing the path of athletics and setting the stage for his future glory. “Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved this sport so much and I have always believed that it would take me to some great places, and the fact that I’m actually here, I’m at the Olympics and being able to win it is fantastic.” As the old saying goes, “everything happens for a reason,” and it’s truly a stroke of destiny that Mondo Duplantis decided to stick with pole vaulting.

Today, Mondo Duplantis stands tall as the world’s outdoor and indoor record holder, conquering heights of 6.25 and 6.22 meters, respectively. Not only that, he’s a two-time Olympic champion (2020 and 2024), a dual World outdoor (2022 and 2023) and indoor champion, and also the reigning European champion.

His incredible journey is a glowing testament to the boundless power of unwavering passion and the magic of relentless perseverance. As Mondo Duplantis continues to dazzle on the global stage, what do you think of the heartfelt gestures from his hometown? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate these sweet honors together!