"Only opportunity we have to make a real global impact" - Mondo Duplantis on his mindset before the Paris Olympics

Mondo Duplantis recently highlighted the Olympics' role as a platform where athletes can transcend their sport and connect with a global audience. He emphasized the Games' unique ability to amplify an athlete's achievements beyond their usual fanbase.

The Swedish-American pole vaulter has shattered the world record nine times in his career, starting with a 6.17m leap in Torun, Poland, at the 2020 World Indoor Tour. Later that year, he surpassed expectations again at the Rome Golden Gala with a 6.15m jump.

Between 2021 and 2023, he continued rewriting history at the World Athletics Championships and Diamond League, culminating in a 6.24m record at the Wanda Diamond League in April 2024. Most recently, he achieved a historic 6.25m jump at the Paris Olympics, solidifying his dominance in the sport.

Following his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris Games, Duplantis joined the Athletics Weekly podcast to reflect on his historic achievement. The episode delves into his monumental 6.25m leap. He provided an in-depth perspective on the moment's significance.

The interviewer asked:

"Is this the most satisfying you have ever been with a season or with your work?" (12:24)

The 25-year-old responded:

"The Olympics is the only opportunity we have to make a real global impact, make a real splash on the outside world on the people that’s not just your country or the Athletics fans. I kind of knew that going into the Olympics. If I do something very special, something like a world record, it could be a really, really big deal. You don’t really have that opportunity other than that moment." (12:33)

Duplantis compared his record-breaking performances at other championships to the Olympics, downplaying the significance by saying 'it's not that crazy.' However, he emphasized that Olympic moments are truly unique. As an athlete, he believes the key is delivering the best performance on the biggest stage, and he achieved that in Paris.

Mondo Duplantis pushed the limits of pole vaulting once again at the 2024 Silesia Diamond League, soaring to an unprecedented 6.26 meters and setting a new world record.

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Mondo Duplantis reflects on setting a new world record at the Paris Olympics

Mondo Duplantis at Paris 2024 - Athletics (Source: Getty)

Mondo Duplantis' 6.25 meters leap at the Paris Games was a then-world record and clinched him the gold medal.

The Swede expressed his immense joy at achieving the feat and said (via Olympics.com):

"Pretty hard to beat that. World record, Olympic final, Stade de France with 80,000 people cheering my name and just going berserk. Unbelievable. I mean, it's like I've visualized and dreamt of this moment since I was just a little kid."

The Olympic gold medalist reflected on the surreal reality of his dream coming true, particularly at the Stade de France in front of an almost sold-out crowd. He said he believes he can jump higher and aims to break more records in the future, with 6.30m as his next target.