The 24-year-old athlete, known for his consistent performances, demonstrated his exceptional skill and resilience in a thrilling competition. Duplantis had already won the gold with a vault of 6.00 meters, surpassing the Olympic record. However, he wasn't content with just a win; he raised the bar to 6.10 meters, which he cleared on his first attempt, adding to the excitement in the Stade de France.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Duplantis decided to challenge his own world record by setting the bar at 6.25 meters, just one centimeter higher than his previous record set in April at the Xiamen Diamond League. After two failed attempts, he successfully cleared the height on his third try, eliciting thunderous applause and chants from the crowd.
Reflecting on his achievement, Duplantis described the moment as surreal. "I haven’t processed how fantastic that moment was," he said. "It’s one of those things that don’t really feel real, such an out-of-body experience. Breaking a world record at the Olympics has been my dream since I was a kid, and I’ve done it in front of an incredible crowd."
Duplantis' victory continues his dominance in the pole vault discipline, having won every major global title since his first Olympic gold in Tokyo three years ago. His consistent performances have seen him clear six meters or higher 86 times, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.
The competition also saw impressive performances from other athletes. Sam Kendricks of the USA secured the silver medal with a vault of 5.95 meters, while Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took home the bronze with a jump of 5.90 meters. Kendricks, a two-time world champion, made a remarkable comeback after missing the finals in Tokyo, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Karalis, who finished fourth in Tokyo, finally earned his place on the Olympic podium, reflecting on the challenging journey that led him to this achievement. His performance, along with that of other competitors like Ernest John Obiena of the Philippines and Kurtis Marschall of Australia, added to the depth and excitement of the event.
Duplantis’ triumph in Paris not only solidifies his status as the best pole vaulter of his generation but also highlights his potential to continue breaking records. As he celebrated with his family and friends, Duplantis emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and acknowledged the overwhelming support he received from the fans.
"I think I can do it again, but I don’t really care right now," Duplantis said. "I’m so happy, I’m going to enjoy this very much. I’ve got my family here, my girl here, some of my best friends here. I’m going to enjoy the heck out of this. I don’t care about anything except the present moment right now."
Duplantis' extraordinary performance in Paris will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history, showcasing the heights of human athleticism and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Sources: World Athletics, Eurosport, Olympics.com.