There was no new world record - but Armand “Mondo” Duplantis won another European Championship title in Birmingham. However, the road to gold was much more difficult than expected - and it was not due to the bar or the weather.
Ahead of tonight's competition, the pole vaulter made what he describes as the biggest mistake of his life on the food front.
“Can't believe it”
"The thing I did wrong was have chicken tikka masala for lunch. It was the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life. If you already have a sensitive stomach and then eat Indian food before a competition... I can't understand why I did it," Duplantis says, laughing.
Even though he tried to save the situation by avoiding the hot sauce, it didn't help. His stomach completely crashed and the recovery was marked by visits to the toilet.
Did you have to run to the toilet often?
A few times! I've been there all day... But then, I'm a big guy. I have to face the consequences of my own decisions, he says.
In the midst of stomach upset and toilet visits, the Swedish world star still managed to stay focused. After a tough duel against Greek Emmanouil Karalis, it was Duplantis who ultimately emerged as champion. He has also learned a lesson for future championships.
“Probably a few more times”
It's a professional tip: Don't eat "chicken tikka masala" before the competition, he sends along as a reminder.
And it's unlikely to be a grand celebration or wild night of partying with stomach problems.
Well, my stomach probably can't handle it. But we'll see. I'll probably go to the bathroom a few more times tonight anyway, concludes a relieved gold hero.
Then Emmanouil Karalis will probably be disappointed. He wants to bring Duplantis into the party night.
"We want to party all night. We're competing in Lausanne in a few days, so we still have to take it easy and be professional. But it will be a good party as always, I think," he says.
