The Swede has set a world record in China before. During the Diamond League premiere in Xiamen over a year ago, Armand Duplantis cleared 6.24 meters.
He has improved that record three times since then – most recently at the end of February this year during the pole vault gala in Clermont-Ferrand when he cleared 6.27.
In Shanghai's Diamond League gala, he secured the win after a jump of 6.11 meters and then ordered the bar up to 6.28 meters.
"Had no surplus"
However, there was no improvement of the world record for Duplantis, who was recently named the world's best male athlete – all categories – 2024.
I had no surplus of speed, so I knew I had to hit perfect in the approach to give it a good attempt. The last attempt was pretty good, honestly. It didn't feel fantastic, but it was still pretty close, says Duplantis in SVT's broadcast.
Last weekend in Xiamen – in the Diamond League premiere – Duplantis did win. But for being the world's best pole vaulter, it was only a modest 5.92 meters. Then he attempted 6.01, but it was three fouls.
Now the 25-year-old has displayed a completely different form.
I felt good. Clearly less sloppy than in Xiamen, but it's early in the season and a lot is about figuring out how everything works.
Changed pole
He changed to a stiffer pole after the first world record attempt, but the 25-year-old didn't get it in the second. The third attempt was the best.
I liked my last attempt on 6.28, especially considering how my legs felt, says Duplantis.
He was most pleased with his jump on 6.11 meters, which secured the win. Then only the Greek Emmanouil Karalis, was left in the pole vault competition, but the Greek came in second after three straight fouls.
Duplantis entered the competition at 5.62 and also cleared his other heights – 5.92, 6.01, and 6.11 meters – on the first attempt.
The Dutchman Menno Vloon came in third in the competition, clearing.
