The world star now tells the background of the hotel commotion.
Armand Duplantis in walks the model girlfriend Desiré Englander in his arms to the press conference of the Swedish team.
It is the first time in Eugene that he is “in public”. The usual World Cup accommodation on the university campus was not suitable for the star, but the world star moved to a hotel sponsored by equipment manufacturer Puma.
– It was really good that he went to the hotel. Sometimes Armand doesn’t sleep so well, so he appreciates a good bed. And the corona situation has, of course, become difficult again among World Cup athletes in recent days. Armand’s test yesterday was negative, so everything is fine, says the father Greg Duplantis.
The Swedish radio reporter begins his report solemnly.
– The superstar has come to town, he announces to his listeners.
Duplantis has learned fluent Swedish with his girlfriend. He lives about half of the year in Stockholm and the other half at his home in Louisiana, USA.
– I’m a little nervous. It’s been a lot of trouble here, he says to the radio man in Swedish.
It’s true that there has been trouble, because the Swedish team cherishes a sense of community. Moving from another team to your own accommodation is not a very typical thing.
But the Swedish audience loves “Mondo”. According to Expressen, the man’s popularity is like that of the leader of North Korea with Kim Jong-un: 100 percent.
The radio man’s interview ends as poignantly as it began. What greetings do you want to send to the Swedish people, he asks.
– Greetings, Swedes! I will try to be worthy of your trust and win gold, the athlete commented.
The radio guy gives a thumbs up.
The language changed
Armand Duplantis is Sweden’s most followed individual athlete by far. Only Swedish and Finnish journalists were welcome to Wednesday’s press conference in Eugene. PASI LEISMA
Then it’s interview time with the writing media. Duplantis is asked slightly tougher questions than in TV and radio interviews, so the athlete answers in his native English.
– I didn’t want to be surrounded by thousands of people. It worked. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave another team: miss all the gatherings and spending time together. But it was important to be able to sleep in peace, Duplantis reasons.
– I wanted to guarantee myself the best possible situation. I’m sure this preparation was the best solution. We were at peace in the hotel – it was a nice thing, the man continues.
Is it exhausting to be the sport’s new superstar after Usain Bolt, whose movements, like accommodation patterns, are scrutinized with a magnifying glass?
– I don’t think so. I am who I am. I have a good balance in my life. I have not experienced that there have been any scandals or others.
Duplantis is extremely polite. He always smiles and looks his sparring partner in the eyes.
– He manages public pressure very well. Armand has always been so motivated and focused on his own work that he hasn’t let outside things bother him, the father confirms.
It is what it is
Armand Duplantis is enjoying himself in Eugene with his girlfriend Desiré Inglander in hotel accommodation. – We have tried to get some time to kill before the Games, says Duplantis. PASI LEISMA
The man known by the nickname Mondo has won Olympic gold, European Championship gold and World Championship silver in the blue and yellow shirt.
– Of course I am aware of my possibilities. I expect a win from Eugene. And it’s in the spirit of the game that people expect me to win. It’s not a bad thing, it is what it is.
The athlete leaves with his girlfriend towards a black car. The camera crew follows.
How do you feel when photographers are watching your every move?
– It is what it is.
Greg Duplantis coaches his son. PASI LEISMA