Mondo Duplantis attributes his pole vault success to his speed on the runway and his use of specially-designed sprinting spikes, distinguishing him from past pole vaulters. Recently setting his 13th world record by clearing 6.29 meters, Duplantis aims for a third consecutive world title in Tokyo.
At a Puma event in the city, the Swedish athlete emphasized his active role in refining his shoes, praising Puma for incorporating his input. He highlighted the advancements in his current footwear compared to his initial pair, particularly praising the nitrofoam technology and the customized design for his needs.
Analysis of Duplantis’ performance reveals his exceptional speed approaching the bar, surpassing his competitors significantly. He emphasized the importance of speed and energy creation for achieving greater heights in pole vaulting, contrasting the traditional flat spike design with the enhanced sprint spike model he uses for optimal performance.
Duplantis hinted at wearing a special “claw” version of his spikes for significant events, providing added grip and speed benefits. While acknowledging the occasional challenges with this design, he expressed readiness to unleash its advantages when necessary.
Last year, Duplantis showcased his speed by outrunning Karsten Warholm, the world record holder in the 400m hurdles, over 100 meters. Although he enjoys sprinting and incorporates it into his training, he remains committed to pole vaulting as his main focus, dismissing any notions of transitioning to track events full-time.
Despite his dedication to pole vaulting, Duplantis described sprinting as an unparalleled thrill, emphasizing the electrifying anticipation before a race. His passion for speed and competition fuels his drive for success in both disciplines.