Duplantis eyes torun: world record holder prepares for indoor showdown

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter who recently set a world record of 6.31m in Uppsala, is set to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, this Saturday. The 26-year-old is aiming to build on his performance and potentially reach heights previously thought unattainable.

New equipment, altered technique fuel pursuit of higher heights

Duplantis revealed a key change contributed to his record jump: a stiffer pole and an extended approach run – increasing from 20 to 22 steps. “For greater height, more energy and propulsion are needed. This means a faster start,” he explained. The switch to a more rigid pole, used for the first time at the record-breaking attempt, proved pivotal. He’s been experimenting with longer approaches for seven years, but the adjustment represents a notable shift.

The implications are significant. He acknowledges further potential for improvement, though he avoids specific quantification. The magnitude of his leap – surpassing Sergei Bubka’s long-standing record by 30 centimeters – raises questions about what's possible.

Beyond the record: a career defined by passion

While the pursuit of records is a driving force, Duplantis emphasizes personal fulfillment. “I aim to always be the best version of myself. I don’t dwell on numbers or statistics,” he stated. His most cherished memory remains his victory at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin, where he cleared 6.05m at just 18 years old – a moment he says changed his life.

The recent 6.17m by Greece's Pierer Karalis has also sparked intrigue. “I was at home when Lavillenie texted me about it. I hadn’t seen it yet, but I immediately checked my phone.” Duplantis believes Karalis’s performance might encourage new approaches and adjustments to his own technique.

Facing the competition, finding joy in connection

Despite a string of 38 consecutive wins, Duplantis remains grounded. “You can never underestimate your opponents, nor be too confident. There's no certainty. It might seem easy, but it's not. You have to stay humble and appreciate what’s important,” he cautions.

His motivation extends beyond athletic achievement to personal relationships. He credits his partner, family, and friends for his happiness. Competing in Torun, the site of his first world record, holds a special significance. He recalls the unusual atmosphere of the 2021 European Indoor Championships, held without spectators due to Covid restrictions. “It felt unreal, without the possibility of going out for a beer. There was a realization that sport's essence is to unite people.”

The absence of crowds, he realized, stripped away the superficial and revealed the core of the sport: a unifying force. He is not fixated on replicating Bubka’s 6.47m, instead focusing on pushing his own boundaries, a pursuit that continues to redefine the sport.

His commitment to self-improvement – fueled by the support of those around him – is what truly sets him apart.