Armand Duplantis continues to solidify his status as the greatest pole vaulter in history after delivering a commanding performance at the 2025 Ostrava Golden Spike meeting in the Czech Republic.
The Swedish star cleared an impressive 6.13 meters, setting a new meeting record and comfortably winning the event on June 24. His victory in Ostrava adds to a season already marked by extraordinary achievements, including breaking his world record at 6.28 meters earlier this month in Stockholm.
Meanwhile, Duplantis’s dominance stems from his flawless technique, exceptional athleticism, and mental toughness.
At just 25 years old, he has raised the men’s pole vault world record twelve times, consistently pushing the limits of the sport. His ability to clear heights above six meters with apparent ease separates him from his rivals.
At Ostrava, after two attempts at 5.62m, Armand Duplantis cleared 5.82m on his first try, followed by flawless jumps at 5.97m, 6.02m, and finally 6.13m, setting the meeting record and leaving competitors behind.
What It Takes to Beat Duplantis and Potential Contenders
Armand Duplantis at the Diamond League Oslo
To dethrone Armand Duplantis, an athlete must combine extraordinary physical ability with near-perfect technique and unwavering focus.
For instance, clearing heights beyond 6.13 meters demands peak conditioning and innovative vaulting strategies. Currently, few can match Duplantis’s consistency at these elite heights.
The closest challengers include Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, who took second at Ostrava with 5.92m, and Australia’s Kurtis Marschall, third at 5.82m.
Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis
Marschall, a 2024 Olympic finalist, remains a credible threat but still trails Armand Duplantis’ world record marks. Emerging talents may close the gap in the coming years, but surpassing Duplantis’s world record of 6.28m and his competitive mindset remains a daunting challenge.
Armand Duplantis himself has expressed confidence that vaulting 6.40 meters is within reach, signalling his intent to continue rewriting the record books.
His blend of technical mastery and competitive drive keeps him virtually unbeatable for now, making him the pole vault benchmark for this generation and beyond.
Moreover, Duplantis’s Ostrava win reinforces his unparalleled dominance and sets the stage for what could be even more historic feats soon.
