Duplantis eyes new heights after Lausanne win ahead of Silesia showdown
The 26‑year‑old champion cleared 6.21m in Switzerland and now targets bigger bars in Poland.
Armand Duplantis added another triumph to his résumé on Friday, clearing 6.21 metres to win the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne. The US‑born Swede attempted 6.32m, a centimetre beyond his own world record, but fell short on both tries.
"I feel brand new in the sense I feel like I have a different level of responsibility at home," Duplantis said after the competition.
The 26‑year‑old, who married Swedish model and social‑media personality Desire Inglander earlier this year and recently relocated to Monaco, described the past few months as "hectic" but said he is now fully focused on the competitive grind.
His next test comes at the Silesia Diamond League on Sunday, a venue that holds personal significance, it was where he first cleared the six‑metre barrier and where he set a world record earlier this year.
Why the Lausanne win matters
Beyond the trophy, the performance signals that Duplantis is still pushing the limits of the sport. Clearing 6.21m keeps him ahead of his closest rival, Greek vaulter Emmanouil Karalis, who posted 6.16m in Lausanne and also tried 6.26m.
What lies ahead
Looking to Silesia, Duplantis expects a fierce contest. "I love competing against Emmanouil, especially when he is on his A‑game," he said, hinting at a tactical battle for the next big bar.
With the European leg of the season in full swing, a strong showing in Poland could set the tone for the rest of the year, including the World Championships later this summer.
Fans can anticipate another record‑breaking attempt as Duplantis aims to "knock on the door of a big one" in front of a supportive crowd that remembers his historic 2024 world record in Silesia.
