variety.com
variety.com
Sweden's Pole Vaulting GOAT
User avatar
Curated by
noahrosenstein
2 min read
8,849
54
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, Sweden's pole vaulting sensation, has revolutionized the sport with his record-breaking performances and unique technique. Born to athletic parents who built a backyard pole vaulting facility, Duplantis' journey from childhood prodigy to Olympic champion showcases the profound impact of family support and strategic career choices in shaping a world-class athlete.

World Records and Titles

Armand Duplantis
Swedish-American pole vaulter
Nationality
Swedish-American
Date of Birth
10 November 1999
World Records
Outdoor: 6.23 metres, Indoor: 6.22 metres
trackandfieldnews.com
trackandfieldnews.co...
Holding both the outdoor (6.25 meters) and indoor (6.22 meters) world records, Duplantis has established himself as the greatest pole vaulter in history
1
.
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 Championships
1
.
A dominant force in the Diamond League, Duplantis has consistently outperformed his competitors, breaking his own world record nine times since February 2020
2
3
.
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 athletics
4
.
en.wikipedia.org favicon
cbsnews.com favicon
koat.com favicon
4 sources

Parental Influence and Support

digitaljournal.com
digitaljournal.com
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 preparation
1
.
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 age
2
.
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 internationally
1
3
.
worldathletics.org favicon
redbull.com favicon
france24.com favicon
3 sources

Backyard Training Facility

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 three
1
.
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 Greg
2
.
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 trajectory
2
.
en.wikipedia.org favicon
worldathletics.org favicon
2 sources

Choosing to Compete for Sweden

comingsoon.net
comingsoon.net
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 role
1
.
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. team
1
.
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 culture
1
.
By 2021, Duplantis was conducting interviews in Swedish, feeling embraced by the Swedish public and fully integrated into the nation's athletic community
1
.
worldathletics.org favicon
1 source
Related
What inspired Armand Duplantis to compete for Sweden
How did Armand Duplantis transition from the U.S. to Sweden for his athletic career
What are the benefits of competing for a country other than your birthplace
How does Armand Duplantis' dual citizenship affect his international competitions
What challenges did Armand Duplantis face when choosing to compete for Sweden
Keep Reading
The Magic of Ronaldinho: A Legendary Career
The Magic of Ronaldinho: A Legendary Career
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, widely known as Ronaldinho, is a Brazilian football legend renowned for his exceptional skills, creativity, and joyful playing style. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, he won numerous accolades including two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or during his illustrious career with clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan, as well as the Brazilian national team.
2,369
Muhammad Ali: From Cassius Clay to Global Icon
Muhammad Ali: From Cassius Clay to Global Icon
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay Jr., was an iconic American boxer and activist widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in the history of the sport. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes, innovative fighting style, and outspoken personality, Ali's influence extended far beyond the boxing ring, making him a significant cultural and political figure of the 20th century.
1,639
Skateboarding Legend Macdonald Rides at Olympics
Skateboarding Legend Macdonald Rides at Olympics
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, 51-year-old Andy Macdonald made history as the oldest skateboarder to compete in the Games, representing Team GB in the men's park event and inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with his passion and performance. As reported by various sources, Macdonald's journey from American skateboarding legend to British Olympian showcased the sport's inclusivity and challenged age-related stereotypes in competitive athletics.
4,840
USA Ends 40-Year Weightlifting Drought
USA Ends 40-Year Weightlifting Drought
The United States has made a historic comeback in Olympic weightlifting, with Hampton Morris securing the first men's medal in 40 years at the 2024 Paris Games. This bronze medal performance in the 61kg weight class marks a significant milestone for USA Weightlifting, highlighting the potential resurgence of the men's program while building on recent successes in women's competition.
2,703