Holding both the outdoor (6.25 meters) and indoor (6.22 meters) world records, Duplantis has established himself as the greatest pole vaulter in history1. His impressive collection of titles includes two Olympic gold medals (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), four World Championships (two outdoor and two indoor), and three European Championships1. A dominant force in the Diamond League, Duplantis has consistently outperformed his competitors, breaking his own world record nine times since February 202023. His ability to perform under pressure and continually improve has drawn comparisons to legends in other sports, cementing his status as a generational talent in athletics4.

The foundation of Duplantis' success can be traced back to his parents' influence and support. His father, Greg, a former professional pole vaulter, supervises Mondo's technical development, while his mother, Helena, a former heptathlete and volleyball player, oversees his physical preparation1. This combination of expertise has been instrumental in shaping Mondo's well-rounded athletic abilities. The family's athletic household, complete with various sports facilities, fostered a competitive environment among Mondo and his siblings, pushing him to excel from a young age2. Helena also played a crucial role in connecting Mondo to his Swedish heritage, encouraging him to learn the language and embrace the culture, which ultimately influenced his decision to represent Sweden internationally13.

A unique feature of Duplantis' early development was the pole vaulting facility his parents constructed in their Lafayette, Louisiana backyard. The setup included a raised runway previously used at LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse and a professional-grade landing pit, allowing Mondo to practice regularly from the age of three1. This home training ground played a crucial role in fostering his talent, providing a familiar environment for frequent practice and hands-on coaching from his father Greg2. The backyard facility not only served as a training area but also as a playground for Mondo and his siblings, creating a competitive yet supportive atmosphere that significantly contributed to his extraordinary career trajectory2.

The decision to represent Sweden internationally was influenced by several factors. Dual citizenship through his Swedish mother provided the option, while active recruitment efforts by the Swedish Athletics Association, particularly youth coach Jonas Anshelm, played a key role1. Practical considerations included fewer age restrictions for international competition and the opportunity for Greg Duplantis to coach his son on the Swedish national team, an arrangement not possible with the U.S. team1. Positive experiences of Mondo's older brother Andreas competing for Sweden at youth levels, combined with summers spent in the country, strengthened his connection to Swedish culture1. By 2021, Duplantis was conducting interviews in Swedish, feeling embraced by the Swedish public and fully integrated into the nation's athletic community1.