Greg Duplantis Envisions Armand's Future Jump Heights After Latest World Record

At the Continental Tour in Budapest, Armand Duplantis set his 13th world record with an impressive clearance of 6.29 meters, a feat that has prompted a revised outlook from his father and coach, Greg Duplantis. Initially concerned that Armand may have appeared 'rusty' after a shaky start, Greg expressed surprise and now believes his son is fully capable of jumping 6.40 meters in the near future. Reflecting on his son's remarkable journey, Greg noted that just five or six years ago, such heights seemed far-fetched.

Armand's progression in pole vaulting has been exceptional since he first jumped 2.33 meters at the age of seven, with only two seasons where he did not increase his personal best. The most notable leap was his rise from 5.51 meters to 5.90 meters in 2017. Greg attributes this success to Armand's physical development and continual technical refinement, stating that his technique has consistently improved rather than plateaued.

Delving deeper into the intricacies of the sport, Greg emphasized the importance of combining speed, strength, and technique in pole vaulting. As Armand prepares for the upcoming Olympics, he has focused on weight management, having lost four kilograms to enhance his performance. He is also experimenting with various pole stiffnesses to find the optimal setup for his technique. Looking ahead, AI predictions suggest that with continued health, Armand could potentially reach heights of 6.51 meters by age 33. With the Diamond League event in Silesia on the horizon, expectations are mounting for yet another record-setting performance.