Duplantis Breaks World Pole Vault Record For The Eight Time

By: Gyang Dakwo

Sweden’s Armand Duplantis broke his own world record by 0.01m as he jumped 6.24 at the Xiamen Diamond League on Saturday.

Duplantis bettered his previous mark of 6.23 metres set at the Eugene Diamond League finale in September, clearing the bar with ease before leaping up off the sponge mat below and racing off in celebration at his first outdoor event of the year.

It was the eighth time that Duplantis broke the world record, and the 24-year-old was the only man to clear six metres at the Egret Stadium.

“This is my first time in China and it’s exciting to get my season going,” said Duplantis, who retained his world indoor title in Glasgow last month with a 6.10m clearance.

The Olympic and two-time world outdoor champion had added a second world indoor title to his impressive resume in March, and he is set to head into his second Games in July and August as the firm favourite.

American Sam Hendricks, who finished second with a best of 5.82m, a massive 42 centimeters adrift, said Duplantis has got “God’s hand on his back.”