Swedish superstar Mondo Duplantis is set to headline one of the most anticipated nights in track and field when he competes at the Meeting de Paris on Sunday, 28 June at the iconic Stade Charléty. Widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter in history, the reigning Olympic champion will return to the French capital with fans already speculating that another world record attempt could be on the horizon.
The Paris meeting has long been one of the highlights of the Diamond League calendar, and Duplantis’ presence only adds to the excitement. The Swede has developed a special connection with the French crowd, delivering memorable performances whenever he competes in the city. Athletics fans will once again pack the stands in anticipation of seeing the pole vault phenomenon soar to extraordinary heights.
For Mondo Duplantis, Paris is a place filled with unforgettable moments. The Swedish star will be making his fourth appearance at the Meeting de Paris, where he has repeatedly dazzled spectators with his gravity-defying jumps. During his last outing at Stade Charléty in 2024, he secured victory by clearing six metres with apparent ease. Only weeks later, he stunned the world by breaking the pole vault world record with a remarkable leap of 6.25m during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Stade de France.
Duplantis has also held the Meeting de Paris record since 2021, when he cleared 6.01m at just 22 years old, confirming his status as the dominant force in the event. Now a double Olympic champion and triple world champion, the Swedish sensation continues to push the limits of what is possible in pole vaulting. His current world record stands at a staggering 6.30m, a height that once seemed unimaginable but now appears within reach each time he steps onto the runway.
When Mondo Duplantis lines up in Paris this June, he will face a field packed with top-tier competitors eager to challenge the sport’s biggest name. The timing could not be better for an electrifying contest, as the level of pole vaulting worldwide continues to rise dramatically. In fact, more athletes are clearing the 6-metre barrier this season than ever before, highlighting an extraordinary surge in performance and depth within the event.
“I love France and Paris is a place where I feel at home and have lots of fond memories,” Duplantis said ahead of the competition. “My victory at the 2024 Games is still etched in my mind and I really hope I can put on something special for the Parisian crowd, who are true connoisseurs of pole vaulting.”
To make the experience even more immersive for fans, the Fédération Française d’Athlétisme has introduced a unique stadium layout at Stade Charléty, dividing the venue into five seating categories. One special section will be dedicated exclusively to the pole vault competition, allowing spectators to sit right beside the runway and landing pit for an up-close view of the action.
With tickets starting from 25 euros, supporters will have the rare chance to witness one of athletics’ greatest talents perform at close range. As anticipation builds for the June showdown, many believe the Paris crowd could once again witness history if Duplantis decides to take aim at yet another world record.
One of the athletes pushing hardest to challenge Mondo Duplantis in recent seasons is Greece’s rising pole vault star Emmanouil Karalis. The Greek vaulter has steadily emerged as one of the event’s most consistent performers, regularly clearing heights above 5.90m and even surpassing the prestigious 6-metre barrier in recent competitions. Karalis has claimed multiple medals at major championships, including podium finishes at the European Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Indoor Championships, establishing himself as one of the few athletes capable of challenging the dominance of the Swedish world record holder.
While Duplantis continues to set the benchmark in the sport, Emmanouil Karalis has shown remarkable determination to close the gap. Known for his explosive technique and fearless attempts at higher bars, the Greek star has become a frequent presence on the podium at elite meetings such as the Diamond League. His recent progress, including multiple jumps near or above 6m, reflects a new wave of pole vaulters pushing the event to unprecedented levels, ensuring that every showdown with Duplantis carries the promise of a thrilling contest.