The world record holder on his remarkable year, that viral kiss and why he’s serious about music
P
lenty of sports stars strive for perfection. In 2025, Mondo Duplantis achieved it. He broke the pole vault world record four times. Retained his world indoor and outdoor titles. Won all 16 competitions that he entered. Was voted World Athletics’ male athlete of the year. And, for good measure, was named the BBC’s overseas personality of the year too.
“There’s not necessarily such a thing as a perfect season,” Duplantis says on a bright December day in Monaco. He pauses. “But that’s as perfect as it can get.”
Sporting dominance can eventually become sterile or dull. Think tiki-taka-era Spain. Or Mercedes-era Lewis Hamilton. Duplantis, though, remains track and field’s greatest magic trick. How, you ask, will he clear a bar that is not far off the height of an average British house? But then he charges down the runway, plants and twists and flips, and makes his audience gasp yet again.
