Swedish pole vault sensation Armand “Mondo” Duplantis kicked off his 2025 outdoor season with a decisive win at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting on Saturday, 26 April.
The world record holder showcased his trademark consistency, clearing 5.92m to claim the top spot on the podium.
Fresh off his third consecutive world indoor title in Nanjing last month, Duplantis carried his dominant form into Xiamen, a venue that holds special significance for him. It was here in 2024 that he set his eighth world record (6.24m).
The 25-year-old began cautiously, entering the competition at 5.62m and clearing it effortlessly. He then sailed over 5.82m and 5.92m before three unsuccessful attempts at 6.01m. Though he fell short of the six-meter mark this time, his controlled approach demonstrated his ability to peak when it matters most.
Olympic bronze medallist Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, emerged as the only vaulter capable of pushing Duplantis, matching him at 5.82m before an injury forced him to withdraw during his third attempt at 5.92m. Karalis’s valiant effort earned him second place, while Dutch athlete Menno Vloon took third after a hard-fought clearance at 5.82m.
Despite the absence of a world record, Duplantis’s victory reinforced his status as the undisputed king of pole vaulting. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to varying conditions keeps him ahead of a talented field of competitors.
China has become a favorite destination for the Swedish star, having delivered some of his most memorable performances. Last year’s Xiamen meet saw him break the world record, and just weeks ago, he clinched yet another world indoor title in Nanjing. His comfort in Chinese stadiums suggests that future visits could yield even greater heights.
With the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo and the 2026 European Championships on the horizon, Duplantis appears poised to extend his dominance.
