Duplantis: "I’ll need at least a meeting record to win on Friday"

Mondo Duplantis is, of course, the hot favourite to be crowned Wanda Diamond League Champion in the pole vault for the sixth year running at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme on Friday. “But with Manolo Karalis in top form, it’ll be tougher than ever this year,” the Swede concedes.

“I’m feeling good; I always enjoy coming to the Allianz Memorial Van Damme,” said a relaxed Duplantis. “And the fact that Brussels is once again hosting the Wanda Diamond League final this year makes it extra special. I’m really keen to secure another Diamond League success, but I realise it won’t be handed to me on a plate tomorrow.”

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a couple of intense battles with Manolo (Karalis),” says Duplantis, referring to two recent meetings in Switzerland and other events. In Lausanne, the Swede won with 6.21 metres (versus 6.16m for Karalis) and in Zurich with 6.25 metres (versus 6.20m for Karalis). “I think it will take at least a meeting record to win tomorrow,” predicts Duplantis, who holds the Brussels meeting record with 6.11 metres (set in 2024).

“Without wishing to sound disrespectful to my opponents: it’s been a while since I’ve faced opposition of that calibre. That’s a new feeling I have to learn to deal with. It’s fun for the crowd. They don’t just want to see me break records; they also want me to be pushed by other athletes. And that’s fine. I’m having a really good time with it.”

What if, sooner or later, Manolo Karalis or someone else breaks his world record, which currently stands at 6.31 metres? “That’ll be a strange feeling,” admits Duplantis. “But the feeling of no longer being the last man standing in the competition would be even stranger. Ah well, all those records. They’re fleeting in sport. It’s all about winning competitions. Medals are forever,” says Duplantis.