Armand “Mondo” Duplantis exchanged handshakes and hugs with the pole vaulters he had just outclassed to claim his third world championship.
He strolled leisurely toward the stands, sharing a moment with his parents, his brother and his fiancée.
Then, like a true master commanding a packed arena, he turned back, returned to the runway and delivered the encore the fans had been waiting for.
It was another world record – the 14th of his career – as he cleared 6.30 meters.
Gold medallist Sweden's athlete Armand Duplantis celebrates his new world record in the men's pole vault final during the World Athletics Championships, Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 15, 2025. (AFP Photo)
