Armand Gustav Duplantis currently holds the world record in pole vaulting at 6.31 metres, a height he achieved in 2026. A dual citizen of the United States and Sweden, he represents the latter in international competition. His career is defined by consistent dominance across youth, junior, and senior global athletics championships since 2015.
Early Development in Louisiana
Born in 1999 in Lafayette, Louisiana, Duplantis grew up in a family with deep athletic roots. He began pole vaulting at the age of four at his family home. Throughout his youth, he established world bests in various age groups, beginning with a record at age seven. He attended Lafayette High School, where he set national freshman records before moving to Louisiana State University in 2018 for one year.
Transition to International Competition
Although he possessed dual citizenship, Duplantis chose to represent Sweden internationally in 2015. His decision was influenced by his connections to his mother’s homeland and his brother's positive experiences competing for the Swedish national team. His first major victory occurred at the 2015 World Youth Championships in Cali, where he secured a gold medal with a clearance of 5.30 metres.
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Duplantis elevated the standards of his sport significantly after 2020. He claimed his first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and repeated the feat in 2024. Between 2022 and 2026, he accumulated numerous world titles, including three World outdoor championships and four World indoor championships. By September 2026, he had successfully cleared six metres or higher in 91 separate competitions over nine consecutive seasons.
Recognition and Awards
The consistency of his performances resulted in multiple professional accolades. He was named Sportsperson of the Year in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025, and received the BBC World Sport Star of the Year award in 2025. Additionally, he maintained a streak of five consecutive Diamond League Final victories from 2021 to 2025, cementing his status as a leading figure in professional athletics.
Fast facts
- Born: 1999, Lafayette
- Citizenship: United States; Sweden
- Nickname: Mondo
- Education: Lafayette High School; Louisiana State University
- First Olympic Gold: 2020
- World Record: 6.31 m
Questions readers ask
Which country does Armand Duplantis represent?
He competes for Sweden, despite holding dual citizenship with the United States.
What is the origin of his nickname, Mondo?
The name was given to him as a child by an Italian family friend; it means 'world' in Italian.
Did he graduate from university?
He attended Louisiana State University in 2018 and 2019 but left after his first year to turn professional.
Achievements
- Educated at Louisiana State University
- Worked as athletics competitor, pole vaulter and athlete
