Swedish pole vaulting sensation Armand Duplantis dazzled fans on February 28, 2025, at the Maison des Sports arena in Clermont-Ferrand, France, where he broke his own world record by clearing 6.27 meters during the 10th edition of the All Star Perche meeting. The event not only showcased Duplantis's extraordinary talent but also highlighted the intense competition present as he triumphed against notable athletes, including his friend and fellow competitor Renaud Lavillenie, who also excelled by breaking the master's category record with 5.91 meters.
Starting off with some foundational strides, Duplantis made his mark early on by clearing 5.65 meters and 5.91 meters. After securing his victory by clearing 6.02 meters, he then set his eyes on the new world record, successfully raising the bar to 6.27 meters, marking this feat as the 11th time he has improved upon the world record, which he first established back on February 15, 2014, when he dethroned Frenchman Renaud Lavillenie with a jump of 6.16 meters.
"I felt really good even though you’re always a bit rusty for the first competition," Duplantis stated after his impressive jump. Reported by AFP, he added, "I’ve had some really nice jumps, it gave me confidence for the rest of the season." This confidence has undoubtedly fueled his ambition, as he expressed interest in achieving even greater heights this year, hinting at the possibility of clearing 6.30 meters. "It would be great, I think I’m capable of it," he emphasized.
The event itself saw six competitors clear heights of 5.91 meters or more, which marked a historic first for pole vaulting competitions. Notable performances included Emmanouil Karalis from Greece, who managed to clear 6.02 meters, achieving a national record, and Australia’s Kurtis Marshall, who finished at 5.91 meters. Despite the competitive atmosphere, another contender, Belgium's Ben Broeders, struggled, unable to surpass 5.75 meters and finishing eighth.
Duplantis’s performance not only captivated the French crowd but also set the stage for what promises to be another exciting season. Earlier, on February 14, to kick off his 2025 indoor campaign, he had already cleared 6.10 meters at another meeting held in Berlin. This momentum has built anticipation for his upcoming competitions.
Admittedly, Duplantis will not be participating in the upcoming European Indoor Championships, marking the second consecutive year he has opted out of this event. Instead, he is focusing on the World Championships set to take place in Nanchang, China, from March 21 to 23. His decision to skip the European championships is seen as strategic, allowing him to concentrate on performing at his best during the World Championships. He will also be hosting another pole vault meeting scheduled for March 13, where fellow competitors will gather to challenge themselves under his organization.
Duplantis's achievements continue to inspire many aspiring athletes and raise the profile of pole vaulting globally. With each record-setting performance, he not only advances his own legacy but also elevates the sport to new heights.