It was the fourth time that Armand Duplantis' own gala "Mondo Classic" was arranged in Uppsala in front of several thousand spectators in the multisport arena at Gränby sports field. To the tones of high music, colorful lighting and clapping hands, ten of the world's top male pole vaulters competed against each other on Thursday evening.
"Mondo" was the only one who cleared the height of 6.05 meters and then attempted the world record of 6.28, but failed in his three attempts.
Shit, how close. It's a bit bittersweet. It felt so good. It's such a small margin. It is what it is, it's not an easy thing, he says to TT.
His own record, set just under two weeks ago in Renaud Lavillenie's gala in Clermont-Ferrand, France, at 6.27, still stands.
Praises Upsala IF
Duplantis, who next week will travel to China for the indoor World Championship in Nanjing, where he is the reigning champion and is chasing a third consecutive gold, did not seem too disappointed after the missed world record.
Rather grateful, not least to the athletics association that has been crucial for the Swedish-American to compete for Sweden and for the gala "Mondo Classic" to be arranged.
There's a lot that's required to make this possible. I can't thank Upsala IF enough. So I just have to enjoy the evening with those who made it possible and the pole vaulters who have been here on site. We'll enjoy, hang out and have a beer, or a few.
Duplantis had the chance to become the first Swede in almost 38 years to set a world record in athletics in Sweden. It hasn't happened since Patrik Sjöberg jumped 2.42 in high jump at Stockholm Stadium in June 1987.
Does it feel weird to party when you didn't set a world record?
No, it's not the first time I've done it. It might have been a bit more of a party if it was a world record. You have to enjoy. You can't take this for granted, says Duplantis, referring to the atmosphere around his own competition.
Karaoke with Kendricks?
At Wednesday's press conference, American Sam Kendricks, who cleared an annual best of 5.90 in the competition but failed to clear six meters, said he believes Duplantis will sing his song "Bop" on karaoke after the gala.
Duplantis does not rule out that it will happen.
If he knew where the night is going to take us. Could be. We'll see, says "Mondo".
