Armand Duplantis attempted another world record in Budapest.
Armand Duplantis won the second pole vault world championship of his career in Budapest on Saturday with a score of 610. The superstar attempted the world record height of 623 three times, but the bar always came down.
– It was a decent competition, no joke. I don’t take gold for granted. It tastes good, Duplantis said.
It was clear in advance that only a miracle or an injury could knock Duplantis out of the world championship. However, the superstar was in trouble in the final.
Duplantis cleared 555, 585, 595, 600, 605 and 610 all on his first attempt. At the same time, he was troubled by a dull feeling in his back.
Health problems are rare for the king of pole vaulting, as he has survived his entire career without major injuries.
– I had some problems before the first six-meter attempt. I just prayed it wouldn’t get worse. After 610, the feeling in the rear got a little worse.
Help flew to the scene
Armand Duplantis roared in celebration. EPA / AOP
According to Duplantis, there wasn’t really any pain on the back side, but rather some kind of tightness. The star decided to attempt a world record.
– I got a lot of encouragement, so I just went to jump. We’ll see how you feel in the morning. It would have been hard to just stop.
The same ailment hampered jumping in the Monaco Diamond League on July 21. Duplantis was only fourth with a weak score of 572.
– It was pretty much the same problem as in Monaco, Duplantis said in the evening in Budapest.
Before the World Cup, the superstar flew a chiropractor from the United States to Sweden to get his body in shape for the prestigious competition.
Great race
Armand Duplantis kissed his wife Desire Inglander after the world championship was decided. EPA / AOP
The level of the final was tough, as the silver medal went to the Philippines Ernest John Obiena exceeded six meters.
The bronze was shared by Australia Kurtis Marshall and the United States Christopher Nielsenwhose best result was 595. For Nielsen, the result was the best of the season, Marschall set aside his record.
The last time the top two have crossed six meters in value competitions was at the European Championships in Berlin in 2018. This has not happened once in the World Championships in the 2000s.
– Unbelievable level. I don’t know whether to be happy or sad about being second with a result of six meters. However, silver is a great thing, Obiena said.
– Chris, EJ and Kurtis are all in good shape. Anyone could have jumped six meters, Duplantis boasted.
Overpowered
Armand Duplantis attempted the record despite the pain. EPA / AOP
Duplantis jumped a world record three times last season. In February of this year, the superstar hit another new ME in the hall, which now stands at 622.
Duplantis has also won Olympic gold, two European championships and World Championship silver on outdoor tracks.
– If I won with a score of 595, I would consider it great. But Mondo beats me by 30cm in every race. I want to contribute more, Marschall said.
The first heights were child’s play for Duplantis. EPA / AOP