Clermont-Ferrand, March 1 (IANS) – Armand Duplantis once again made history on February 28, 2025, by soaring to astonishing heights at the All-Star Perche meet, where he broke the world pole vault record for the eleventh time with an impressive leap of 6.27 metres. This remarkable feat, achieved on his first attempt, eclipsed his previous record of 6.26 metres, which he set last August at the Silesia Diamond League.
The 25-year-old Swedish superstar, known as "Mondo," shared his exhilaration with reporters post-jump. "I just felt really good. What can I say, I came here to do it. I put everything in place to do it. The run-up worked really well. I just did it," he said, summing up the extraordinary moment.
Duplantis’ record-breaking leap ignited celebrations within the packed arena, complemented by fireworks lighting up the venue as spectators marveled at his achievement. Earlier, Duplantis had already won the competition with clearances of 5.65m, 5.91m, 6.02m, and 6.07m, firmly establishing his dominance before raising the bar to the new world record height.
The historic event also showcased the depth of talent among competitors, with Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis achieving second place with a national record height of 6.02 metres. This marked the first time ever at a single competition where six athletes cleared 5.91 metres or higher, amplifying the excitement around the event.
Duplantis’ relentless pursuit of excellence has been evident since he first broke Renaud Lavillenie’s long-standing record of 6.16 metres back in 2020, quickly leading to his rise as the dominant figure in men's pole vaulting. Following his initial record, Duplantis has steadily improved the world record, surpassing his own mark four times within the last 11 months alone.
Adding to the night’s atmosphere, Duplantis had timed the release of his new song titled "Bop" to coincide with the meet. The track played in the background as he made his historic jump. "When I made this song a couple of months ago, I thought this would be a perfect song to jump to here. That's why I rushed it out," Duplantis explained, integrating his dual passions of music and athletics.
The All-Star Perche not only celebrated Duplantis’ achievements but also witnessed impressive performances from various athletes. Australia’s Kurtis Marschall finished third, clearing 5.91 metres, showcasing the competitive spirit and rising standards within the sport.
This relentless quest for record-breaking heights has made Duplantis not just the reigning Olympic and World champion, but also one of athletics’ most followed and celebrated figures. His performances combine artistry with physical prowess, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
The next chapter for Duplantis is set to be written at the World Indoor Championships, taking place from March 21-23, 2025, in Nanjing, China. He will seek to defend his title, but with the rapid evolution of the sport, his challengers are also preparing to rise to the occasion.
With every record he sets, Duplantis not only raises the bar for himself but also for future generations of pole vaulters. His historic achievements serve as a reminder of human potential and the continuous pursuit of greatness.
Expectations are now higher than ever, with fans eagerly awaiting what Duplantis will achieve next. After all, each leap beyond the previous mark challenges the limits of what is possible, proving time and time again why he is the name on everyone's lips when it’s time to talk about pole vaulting.