How Armand Duplantis Shattered the Pole Vault Record in Tokyo

Summary – Armand Duplantis broke the world record at the Tokyo Athletics World Championships, while Indian long jumper Sreeshankar missed the final cutoff.,

Article –

At the Tokyo Athletics World Championships, Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis astounded the world by setting a new world record in the pole vault event, demonstrating exceptional skill and technique. Meanwhile, India’s top long jumper, Murali Sreeshankar, narrowly missed qualifying for the final.

Setting the Stage

The championships gathered top athletes from around the globe, competing in highly technical and intense events. Duplantis entered as the reigning world record holder and favorite to win, while Sreeshankar aimed to break into the elite long jump final, carrying high hopes from his growing fanbase.

The Turning Point

Duplantis stole the spotlight by clearing a height surpassing the previous world record with fluidity and grace. His achievement mid-competition instantly made history and energized the audience and fellow competitors alike.

On the other hand, Sreeshankar’s efforts fell short of the qualifying mark in a fiercely competitive field, illustrating just how narrow the margins are at this elite level.

Tactical and Technical Breakdown

Pole vaulting demands an effective combination of speed, strength, timing, and technique. Duplantis succeeded thanks to a perfectly timed run-up, explosive takeoff, and technical mastery of pole planting that converted horizontal momentum into remarkable vertical elevation. His careful equipment selection and mental poise also played key roles.

Long jumping similarly requires runway speed and precision takeoff. While Sreeshankar demonstrated solid technique, small factors such as stride length consistency and takeoff angle, coupled with tough competition, ultimately affected his qualifying attempts.

Reactions from the Sport

Duplantis received wide acclaim from coaches, fellow athletes, and federations, with many hailing him as a generational talent poised to redefine pole vaulting.

The Indian athletics community viewed Sreeshankar’s performance as a stepping stone, recognizing his progress and the importance of continued investment in training and talent development.

What Comes Next?

Duplantis’s record sets a high bar for future competitions such as the Olympics and Diamond League, promising increased global interest and sponsorship in pole vaulting.

For Sreeshankar and others, the focus will be on honing technique, conditioning, and mental readiness to turn near misses into future successes.

The Tokyo Championships highlighted the razor-thin lines between victory and defeat, and their impact will shape training and athlete development worldwide in the coming years.

As the sporting world watches, the big questions remain: will Armand Duplantis continue to push pole vaulting boundaries? And can emerging talents like Sreeshankar rise stronger to challenge the world’s best?

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Mitali

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