Armand Duplantis Sets New World Record at the 2025 World Championships

Armand Duplantis has captivated the athletics world once again, setting a new pole vault world record of 6.30 meters at the 2025 World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo. This victory marks his 12th major championship title and his 14th world record, reaffirming his status as one of the sports' greatest athletes.

During a high-stakes final, Duplantis faced fierce competition, particularly from Emmanouil Karalis, who pushed him to raise the bar higher than initially planned. Initially aiming for 6.05 meters, Duplantis ultimately achieved his historic leap, rising to the occasion under immense pressure, as noted by former Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, who remarked, "He performed under immense pressure, and we’re likely to see more world records from him in the future."

Karalis's strategy involved sacrificing his own performance to challenge Duplantis, which was praised by American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks, who stated, "The most incredible story today is what Karalis did for Mondo… He sacrificed his own chance for a personal best to push Duplantis."

Despite the extraordinary achievement and the excitement surrounding it, there was a brief mix-up; Duplantis initially received a provisional gold medal after the event, but had to return it when it was collected by organizers shortly after the press conference. The actual medal ceremony was later, allowing fans to join in the celebrations.

Duplantis's father and coach, Greg Duplantis, expressed optimism for his son's future, asserting that reaching 6.40 meters is feasible. He emphasized, "Mondo's speed on the runway can still improve." As Duplantis continues to inspire generations, with fans and fellow athletes alike celebrating his achievements, he has undeniably set a high bar in the world of athletics, transforming the discipline and attracting global attention.

In total, Sweden is currently enjoying a successful run at the championships, sitting fifth in the overall medal standings, bolstered by Duplantis’s gold and Andreas Almgren's bronze medal in the 10,000 meters. With anticipation of more performances to come, the championships continue to unfold in Tokyo.