Armand Duplantis added another chapter to his pole vaulting legacy at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, clearing 6.30 meters to set his 14th world record and claim a third world title.
After trading handshakes and hugs with his fellow medalists, the Swedish star strolled into the stands to share a moment with his parents, brother and fiancée. Then, in true showman fashion, he returned to the runway – delivering the gravity-defying encore that 53,000 fans had come to witness.
Duplantis needed three tries to sail over the 6.30m bar, pushing the limits of what was thought possible more than 30 minutes after the official competition had ended. The packed stadium refused to let him exit the stage early, fueling the tension and drama of the moment.
"To be able to enjoy this world record with them and give them that is super special," Duplantis said. "Especially considering the last time I was in this stadium, we didn't have any spectators. It was spooky and eerie and super weird, and not very fun, honestly."
From empty seats to a roaring crowd, Duplantis’s journey highlights how sport can unite global audiences and push human potential. His relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, proving that the sky – or in this case, 6.30 meters above it – is no limit.
With social media clips racking up millions of views overnight, Duplantis’s feat shows how sport, tech and storytelling collide to create global moments that unite fans, entrepreneurs and digital nomads from every corner of the world.
Reference(s):
Duplantis breaks world record again at World Athletics Championships
cgtn.com
