Mondo Duplantis has made his way up a beautifully carpeted staircase, passing beneath ornate chandeliers and the exquisite decorations of an elegant 18th-century villa close to the Musée d’Orsay. He holds an espresso in hand and slightly apologizes for his hoarse voice. Nearly 14 hours have elapsed since his breathtaking jump—an astonishing world record—that added to his Olympic pole vaulting gold, and it’s safe to say that he hasn’t caught much sleep since. There have been childhood friends to celebrate with and a few months of rigorous dietary discipline to momentarily put aside.
“I had some fried chicken last night and then pizza just a couple of hours ago, honestly,” he confides in a near whisper. “So we’re off to a good start.” Despite being the morning after a celebratory night, Duplantis has earned the right to relax. The world has recognized him as a phenomenon, remarkably skilled in an unusual yet captivating discipline where few can compete.
“The competition is probably at its strongest right now; the level is extremely high,” he comments. “I just happen to be performing at a slightly higher level than the rest. Everyone else is executing well; I’m just managing to jump better.”
His jump of 6.25m surpassed the silver medalist, Sam Kendricks, by a remarkable 30cm. What’s it like swinging into the night sky, suspended in the air before descending to the cheers of 80,000 spectators? “Everything unfolds so quickly; it feels like my body just takes control in that moment. You’re in a state where everything flows seamlessly.”
“It’s insane. Last night, that exact moment was something I’d envisioned thousands of times. I can recall many occasions in my parents’ backyard, picturing that bar at the world record height during the Olympic final.”
The idea of manifesting dreams has become prevalent among athletes. Ollie Watkins, the England footballer who recently scored to propel his team to the Euro 2024 final, also discussed a similar approach. When things pan out as spectacularly as this, it certainly resonates.
“I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize the jump I want to execute,” Duplantis explains regarding his mental preparation before gripping the pole. “I can’t always execute perfectly, but picturing it in my mind significantly increases the odds. I believe that positive thinking, visualization, and manifestation are crucial in making it happen.”
Pole vaulting is basking in the limelight, thanks to a captivating 24-year-old with undeniable star quality. In Sweden, the Louisiana-born athlete represents his mother’s native country, causing traditional Monday night football broadcasts to take a back seat so that viewers can focus on the pole vaulting event. He is passionate about his sport and hopes the public embraces its uniqueness while recognizing the comprehensive skill set required to excel.
“It’s an unusual sport, I suppose,” he admits. “I may be biased, but I don’t think anything is as entertaining as pole vaulting. It’s exotic, almost like a circus event, and it holds a special place.”
“I think people might not realize that being a pole vaulter requires real athleticism. You need speed, strength, and a mix of various abilities to reach the top. I hope to elevate this sport simply by performing well. I want it to be recognized.”
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Duplantis’s impressive lineage is well known; athletics runs in his family with his father, Greg, a pole vaulter who cleared 5.80m, and his mother, Helena, a talented heptathlete representing Sweden. Additionally, Helena’s father was also a national-level pole vaulter. A pit was built in their backyard so the four Duplantis siblings could train if they desired. While all of them are quite capable, Mondo—whose full name is Armand—would likely find it risky to revisit those childhood days at home.
He laughs, his deep voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “I haven’t jumped there since I was 15 or 16. It could be fun, but there’s the pit and then the neighbors’ back wall right beside it, making it a bit precarious—doesn’t feel all that safe to be attempting six-meter jumps.”
A clip featuring Duplantis’s post-victory meeting with Noah Lyles, the champion sprinter, quickly went viral. Both athletes have emerged as stellar icons this summer, inspiring the next generation of sports enthusiasts, and they share a remarkable bond. “What Noah’s done—transitioning from the 200m to becoming the fastest in the 100m—is absolutely phenomenal,” he shares. “He talks big but delivers. We’re both on the same team, striving to promote our sport as much as we can.”
After pushing the boundaries of athletics, it’s finally time for Duplantis to enjoy more of the unrestricted diet he’s desired. He will navigate back through the property, which has been designated to the Olympics’ timekeeper Omega for these few weeks, and join his family for lunch. The next challenge will present itself soon enough, but for now, it feels far away. Thoughts of the future can wait.
“Why would I focus on anything else right now other than soaking in this moment?” he reflects. “I always aim to improve and achieve more, so I’m not concerned about my motivation. But at this moment, I’m going to relish every second of it.”
