The Swedish star continued his dominance on the world stage at the World Indoor Championships.
Mondo Duplantis secured his fourth consecutive world indoor title in Torun by reaching a championship record height as he again stood alone on top of the podium.
After Australia’s Curtis Marshall cleared 6.00m to win bronze, the competition for gold was narrowed down to Duplantis and Greece’s Emmanuel Karalis.
Karalis, motivated by the personal best of 6.17m he achieved at his home championships earlier in the season, decided to clear 6.10m and 6.15m. Duplantis cleared both highs cleanly for the first time, asking to keep the pressure on.
The decisive moment came at 6.20m and beyond. After Karalis failed on his first attempt at that height, Duplantis chose to raise the bar to 6.25m. He then cleared it on his first attempt, setting a new championship record and surpassing the previous mark of 6.20m he set in Belgrade in 2022.
Karalis could not answer at 6.25m, leaving him with a third consecutive world championship silver medal, while Duplantis extended his remarkable winning streak.
Karalis said: “I tried to push for the gold medal, push, push and push, but I couldn’t jump 6.25m, but I’m glad I did my best today.
“I was able to push Mondo. it was an amazing battle. I always enjoy competing with Mondo. I knew it would take more than six meters to get on the podium today.
“Tonight we’re going to celebrate with my family and friends, Mondo and the other pole vaulters. I’m so happy to be friends with those guys.”
