Armand
Duplantis

Born in Lugano, Switzerland, to two former athletes—his father Greg, a pole vaulter, and his mother Ana, a heptathlete—Armand Duplantis grew up immersed in athletics. His upbringing was unique, moving between Sweden, the United States, and Italy, which exposed him to diverse training environments. From early on, his father coached him in pole vaulting fundamentals, fostering a deep technical foundation while emphasizing patience and mental strength in an often unpredictable event.

Despite early signs of exceptional talent, Mondo encountered the physical and mental demands that come with mastering pole vault. Balancing growing expectations with the need to adapt his technique led to periods of frustration. In his mid-teens, he faced pressure competing against older, more experienced athletes but remained focused on gradual improvement rather than immediate glory.

A defining moment came in 2020 when Duplantis broke the indoor world record previously held by Renaud Lavillenie. Clearing a height of 6.17 meters in Glasgow, this achievement marked a breakthrough on the global stage, affirming his place among pole vaulting’s greats. This record not only reflected physical capability but also mental resilience to perform under pressure amidst a pandemic-affected season.

After setting the world record, Duplantis continued to push boundaries, breaking his own records and consistently winning major championships. His unyielding commitment to refining technique and maintaining composure in critical moments allowed him to claim multiple European titles and World Championships. His blend of technical mastery, calm focus, and youthful energy steadily redefined the modern pole vault.