It's all set for a high-class pole vault evening in Brussels on Friday. Armand "Mondo" Duplantis is convinced that the gala record of 6.11 will be broken.
It's always tough to win, but it will probably be harder than ever before considering how "Manolo" is jumping right now. It will probably require a new gala record. But I'm ready to fight for it, says Armand Duplantis at Thursday's press conference ahead of the Diamond League finale.
World record duel
“Manolo” is the nickname of Emmanouil Karalis, the 26-year-old Greek who has risen to a new level this season. For the first time in years, there is someone seriously challenging Duplantis for the wins.
As recently as last week in Zurich, Duplantis won a spectacular duel against Karalis, when both attempted the world record height of 6.32 without clearing it. “Mondo” eventually won at 6.25 while Karalis became the second jumper of all time to clear 6.20.
"I'll try to be as humble as possible, but it's been a while since I've been challenged like this. This is a new experience for me and creates more excitement out there," says Duplantis.
Monster streak broken
In June, the Swedish-American superstar lost his first competition in almost three years, when Australian Kurtis Marschall broke the incredible streak. But then Duplantis stopped at 5.80. At the really high altitudes, it is only now with Karalis' lift that he has really started to sweat.
It's probably more fun for the audience too, they've been waiting for me to be pushed a little more. But it's fun and I'm enjoying it, says Duplantis.
The men's pole vault competition begins at 7:59 p.m. on Friday evening.
