Olympic and European Championship gold, World Indoor Championship gold and three world records - yet those achievements in 2024 were not enough to win the Jerring Prize a year ago.
Instead, table tennis player Truls Möregårdh won.
This year, both were out early, along with skiing star Ebba Andersson (who received the award in 2023).
Pole vault star Duplantis - winner of the 2020 Jerring Prize - however got to step onto the stage of the Sports Gala and do what he had hoped for most before the festivities at the Globen.
He accepted the Leaders of the Year award, which was presented to his parents, Greg and Helena.
"I asked my parents what they wanted me to say if they won. Dad said I'm more used to giving speeches than he is, so I should fix it," he says in SVT's broadcast.
Helena, on the other hand, sent a text message with a list of thanks that Duplantis read through quickly and concluded with:
Thanks.
The 26-year-old then won Male Athlete of the Year and was nominated for Performance of the Year.
The Jerring Prize was awarded to skier Jonna Sundling.
Facts: Sports Gala Winners
TT
Jerring Prize: Jonna Sundling, skiing.
Female athlete of the year: Jonna Sundling, skiing.
Male Athlete of the Year: Armand Duplantis, athletics.
Achievement of the year: Daniel Ståhl, athletics.
Newcomer of the year: Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson, beach volleyball.
Team of the year: Mjällby, football.
Leaders of the Year: Greg and Helena Duplantis, athletics.
The Swedish Sports Academy's honorary award: Anders Gärderud, athletics.
Sports Mirror Award: Marika Domanski Lyfors, football.
Judge's Award: Taib Sisic.
This year's hot dog: Brokinds IF.
