Armand Duplantis breaks pole vault world record yet again — this time for the 14th occasion — as he cleared 6.30 meters at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo to secure gold. The Swedish superstar, widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, thrilled a packed 60,000-strong Tokyo National Stadium crowd with his record-setting leap, continuing a streak of dominance that began in 2020.
A Historic Night in Tokyo
Tokyo’s National Stadium was electric on Monday night as Duplantis lined up for his third attempt at 6.30m. His first two tries came agonizingly close, the second brushing the bar with his thigh and sending gasps through the audience. But on the final attempt, Duplantis soared over the bar with perfect form, landing to a deafening roar from the crowd before sprinting in celebration.
This record-setting vault earned him his third consecutive World Championships gold medal, solidifying his position as the face of men’s pole vaulting.
Duplantis’ Rise to Greatness
Armand Duplantis, often simply called “Mondo,” has dominated men’s pole vaulting since first breaking Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie’s long-standing world record of 6.17m back in February 2020. Since then, he has pushed the record higher by one centimeter at a time, now standing at an incredible 6.30m.
At just 25 years old, Duplantis has already achieved more than most athletes do in their entire careers — Olympic gold, three World Championship titles, and 14 world records. He is widely considered the greatest pole vaulter of all time, a title he continues to justify with every competition.
Financial Incentives and Performance Pressure
There’s more than just pride on the line when Duplantis vaults. Reports suggest that every world record attempt comes with lucrative sponsorship bonuses. Designated World Athletics meetings also offer record bonuses of up to $100,000 (£74,000), in addition to the event prize money.
Despite the financial incentives, Duplantis has been open about his mindset: he vaults for history and the thrill of pushing human limits. “I want to see how high I can take this event. I don’t think I’ve reached my limit yet,” Duplantis has said in previous interviews.
Intense Competition but Clear Dominance
While Duplantis was the star of the night, the competition was fierce. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took silver with a season-best jump of 6.00m after close attempts at 6.10m, 6.15m, and 6.20m — all aimed at toppling Duplantis but just falling short. Australia’s Kurtis Marschall claimed bronze for the second consecutive World Championships, proving his consistency at the highest level.
Why This Record Matters
Clearing 6.30m is more than just another record; it is symbolic of Duplantis’ relentless pursuit of perfection. The jump is a psychological milestone — another centimeter closer to what once seemed impossible. Each new height reminds the athletics world that Duplantis is redefining the limits of the sport.
Sports historians note that no athlete in pole vault history has been as dominant or consistent. Duplantis is not just raising the bar — he is rewriting the expectations for future generations.
The Future of Pole Vaulting
With this latest triumph, fans are already speculating how much higher Duplantis can go. Could 6.35m or even 6.40m be possible within the next few years? His coach and father, Greg Duplantis, believes so. “We take it step by step. Mondo is healthy, motivated, and in his prime. There’s no reason to think he can’t go higher,” he said after the event.
Duplantis’ Impact on Athletics
Armand Duplantis has brought unprecedented attention to men’s pole vaulting, turning it into one of the headline events of every major championship. His personality, consistency, and showmanship have made him a global star. Young athletes around the world look up to him as inspiration to pursue the sport, and his record-breaking feats have sparked a renewed interest in field events within athletics.
Key Takeaways
- Armand Duplantis breaks pole vault world record for the 14th time by clearing 6.30m.
- Wins third consecutive World Championships gold.
- Continues six-year dominance of the men’s pole vault.
- Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis (6.00m) and Australia’s Kurtis Marschall claim silver and bronze respectively.
- Duplantis expected to keep pushing the world record even higher in future competitions.
Conclusion
Armand Duplantis’ 14th world record is not just another statistic — it’s a moment that cements his legacy as one of the most dominant athletes in track and field history. Each record-breaking leap is a blend of precision, athleticism, and mental toughness, and Tokyo’s crowd witnessed history being made once again.
As Duplantis looks ahead to future competitions, one thing is certain: the bar will keep rising — both literally and figuratively — as long as he’s on the runway.
Source: Sky Sports
