Could be two pole vaulters aiming for world records

Since Armand Duplanti’s first world record in February 2020, the men’s pole vault has been more or less a “one-man show” and for other jumpers it’s about becoming the “best of the rest”.

But now we have reached something of a turning point.

At the press conference the day before this year’s edition of the Mondo Classic pole vault gala in Uppsala, the tone is different and the topic of conversation is clear: the level is higher than ever – now also in view of the breadth of the world elite.

“This will be the highest level we have ever seen in competition,” says Duplantis.

This is illustrated not only by the fact that the Greek Emmanouil “Manolo” Karalis recently jumped 6.17 meters – as high as “Mondo’s” first world record six years ago. Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen also showed respect when he achieved 6.06 this weekend, setting the same annual best as Duplantis before Thursday’s competition.

Otherwise it is like that It is noteworthy that six jumpers jumped over six meters at the beginning of the year. One of them is Australian Kurtis Marschall, who says it took him 46 attempts to overcome 6.00.

– The men’s pole vault is currently going through the roof. Everyone pushes each other to a whole new level. Before “Mondo” we probably wouldn’t have even thought that it was possible to jump 6.30 and higher. And now “Manolo” believes he can do it, says Marschall from the press conference podium in the IFU Arena, nodding towards Duplantis sitting next to him.

– I just have to give credit to the gentleman on my right. How he pushed the boundaries of the sport. It makes me believe that I can do things I never thought possible. Belonging to this generation of pole vaulters is something very special.

Already at the World Cup In Tokyo last year we got an indication that the Swedish world record holder is no longer as unchallenged on the throne as before, when Karalis set the bar at 6.15 but even came second with six meters.

“That gave me a lot of motivation for the coming season,” he says.

Sondre Guttormsen believes that in the future the audience will have to get used to several jumpers going over six meters in the same competition – and then some.

– Hopefully now things will be more interesting and there will be more real competition. Maybe we haven’t had it for a few years, says the Norwegian and continues:

– It’ll be cool. This allows Kurtis and I to reach for higher heights than we probably would have otherwise.

“Manolo” Karalis again:

– We will push each other and put pressure on “Mondo”. But we’re all good friends, it’s a healthy rivalry and whoever jumps the highest we celebrate.

– Maybe we’ll see a world record… from me, adds the Greek and the room bursts into loud laughter.

“Mondo” Duplantis jokes However, not when he claims:

– There could be two who set world records. That’s how it can be.

There is no doubt that he will need more than usual to win. “Mondo” admits that the situation is up. And exciting.

– I don’t usually meet jumpers who jumped 6.17 m, another who jumped 6.06 m and several others who jumped six meters. That’s what’s fun. Personally, it feels good, he says, adding:

– Tomorrow it will be like fireworks. Regardless, I know I have to do my best. It will be good. A funny slaughter.

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