Lausanne Diamond League 2024: Paris Olympics Gold Medallist Armand Duplantis Dominates with Record-Breaking Vault

Armand Duplantis, the two-time Olympic pole vault champion, continued his remarkable run of form with a stunning victory at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on Wednesday (August 21).

The 24-year-old Swedish athlete showcased his extraordinary talent by clearing a meeting record of 6.15 meters in the city pole vault competition, further cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest.

This win at the Lausanne Diamond League comes just two weeks after Duplantis captured his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris. At the Paris Olympics, Duplantis delivered a breathtaking performance, setting a new world record with a jump of 6.25 meters. His victory in Lausanne is a continuation of his incredible season.

The Lausanne meeting took place in a distinctive City Event setting along an esplanade bordering Lake Geneva, just 24 hours before the main event at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise. The competition featured a unique setup with a raised runway extending off the tiled walkway.

Thousands of spectators were packed closely around the vaulting area, which was situated under a circular tarpaulin. Big screens were also set up to provide additional viewing for passers-by.

Duplantis, who had dazzled the world with his gold medal performance and world record-setting vault at the Paris Olympics, continued his impressive streak by winning the event with a vault of 6.15 meters.

This mark was set after only Duplantis and American Sam Kendricks-who had secured the silver medal in Paris, managed to clear 5.92 meters. The remaining competitors fell short, with their efforts ending at 5.82 meters.

Kendricks, who had previously beaten Duplantis at the 2019 World Championships, struggled with his first attempt at 6.00 meters, ultimately failing to clear it. In contrast, Duplantis maintained his composure and sailed over the bar with confidence.

With only Duplantis left in the competition, the bar was raised to 6.15 meters. Duplantis' initial attempts were fraught with challenges; he clipped the bar with his knee on his first try and stumbled on his second attempt due to increasing wind conditions. However, he successfully cleared the height on his third attempt, eliciting rapturous applause from the crowd and setting a new meet record.

The Lausanne meet also featured Renaud Lavillenie, the 2012 Olympic champion and former world record holder, who did not qualify for the Paris Games. Lavillenie finished eighth with a best vault of 5.72 meters, reflecting the tough competition at the event.

With his victory in Lausanne, Duplantis not only added another accolade to his illustrious career but also reinforced his dominance in pole vaulting. The presence of renowned competitors such as American Sam Kendricks, who finished behind him, highlighted the competitive nature of the event.

Despite Kendricks' struggles, Duplantis' remarkable vaults ensured his continued supremacy in the discipline. The Swede's triumph in Lausanne is a clear demonstration of his unmatched prowess in pole vaulting and his ongoing ability to set new benchmarks in the sport.