Higher Than Ever : Armand Duplantis Breaks the Pole Vault World Record for the 14th Time
History was written under the bright lights of Japan’s National Stadium when Armand “Mondo” Duplantis soared to a new height of 6.30 meters, breaking his own pole vault world record for the 14th time. The 25-year-old Swedish-American not only secured his third consecutive world title but also became the first human to cross the magical 6.30 m barrier. The stadium, filled with thousands of fans, held its breath as Duplantis prepared for his final attempt. Rhythmic applause filled the air, followed by an eruption of joy as he cleared the bar with elegance and power.The Journey of World RecordsDuplantis’ rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since first breaking Renaud Lavillenie’s world record in 2020, he has redefined the sport year after year. He began with 6.17 m in Poland and 6.18 m in the UK in 2020 before raising the bar again in 2022 with 6.19 m and 6.20 m in Serbia and 6.21 m at the World Championships in the USA. In 2023, he pushed the record to 6.22 m in France and 6.23 m in the USA. The year 2024 saw a historic run as he cleared 6.24 m in China, 6.25 m at the Paris Olympics, and 6.26 m in Poland. His dominance only grew stronger in 2025, when he achieved 6.27 m in France, 6.28 m in Sweden, 6.29 m in Hungary, and finally 6.30 m at the World Athletics Championships in Japan. In just five years, Duplantis has broken the world record 14 times, a feat unmatched in athletics.Dominance on the Global StageDuplantis’ record in major competitions is nothing short of staggering. He has already collected two Olympic gold medals, winning in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, along with three World outdoor titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and three World indoor crowns in 2022, 2024, and 2025. In fact, he has now won the last eight global finals in a row, extending an unbeaten streak that has stretched across 37 competitions since July 2023. For most rivals, competing against Duplantis has become less about chasing victory and more about witnessing greatness in motion. Even Greek pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis, who claimed silver in Tokyo, showed his respect by holding a fan for Duplantis between his attempts, a rare gesture in elite sport. Reflecting on the moment, Karalis admitted with admiration, “Mondo is from another planet.”What Makes Duplantis Special?Pole vault is one of the most complex and demanding events in athletics, requiring a rare blend of speed, strength, and courage, and Duplantis has mastered them all. His lightning-fast runway speed, enhanced by specially designed spikes with a hooked forefoot, generates immense kinetic energy at takeoff. This combines with his flawless technique, as every phase of the vault—plant, swing, turn, and extension—is executed with near-textbook precision. Add to that his explosive power, honed through rigorous training and natural athleticism, which allows him to soar effortlessly above the bar. Perhaps most importantly, he possesses a fearless mindset; clearing heights greater than the average giraffe’s 5.5 m frame demands courage, and Duplantis embraces it with ease. It is this rare combination that has lifted him beyond not just the bar but also into the history books.A Legend in MotionArmand Duplantis’ 14th world record at the 2025 World Championships was more than a sporting achievement; it was a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and ambition. At just 25, with eight global titles already secured, his journey seems only half-written. The world waits eagerly for his next leap. And when he clears his next bar, it won’t just be athletics fans celebrating; it will be anyone who believes in chasing dreams that once seemed impossible.
