Mondo Duplantis’ appetite for gathering major honours shows no signs of being sated. A successful defence of his pole vault world indoor title in Glasgow landed the Swede the seventh consecutive championships gold of his career.
This was not one of his more straightforward victories, though, with the Olympic and world champion far from his fluid best, Yet still he was the only competitor able to clear 5.95m. He was then able to establish a world lead of 6.05m and, as is his custom, the 24-year-old had the crowd in the palm of his hand with a world record attempt.
Unlike when he created history in the Emirates Arena with a clearance of 6.18m four years ago, there was to be no moment of magic this time around. Thanks to Duplantis’ efforts, the world record now stands at 6.23m and a height of 6.24m proved elusive.
Still, it was hardly a bad night’s work, albeit the European champion admitted afterwards that he was due his mother, also his coach, an apology for giving her a couple of scares along the way.
Sam Kendricks had applied some pressure earlier in the evening, producing first-time clearances from 5.50m through to 5.90m and establishing himself at the top of the standings. Duplantis was more disjointed, only getting over 5.85m with his final chance.
It was that 5.95m leap which turned the tide and Kendricks had two attempts at the same height before then opting for a do or die effort at 6.00m. The two-time world outdoor champion would have to settle for a third world indoor silver and instead turned his attentions towards cheerleading Duplantis’ record attempts, while Emmanouil Karalis of Greece produced a season’s best of 5.85m for bronze.
“This was the hardest I have ever worked,” said Duplantis, who also needed three attempts to clear 6.05m. “It seems to be that way when I am against Sam. He’s such a tough competitor he brings out the best in me. I had my back against the wall quite a few times today and I’m glad I was able to pull it out on the third attempts. I was never negative about the fouls. It is always pressure on the last attempt because you are on the line but I always look at it positively. If I have one attempt left then I have a chance.
“I try not to overthink it and learn from the mistake I made on the first two and put it all together. I gave my mum too many scares tonight than she would have liked. I think she got quite nervous watching me there. I knew I had it under control. I’ll have to say sorry about that. I’m glad I could pull out the win for her. She is my inspiration.”
Source: AW
