Armand ”Mondo” Duplantis, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder in the pole vault, will face a formidable lineup of challengers at the Mondo Classic, his own invitational competition held at the IFU Arena in Uppsala, Sweden. This highly anticipated event will feature a field brimming with talent, pitting Duplantis against seasoned rivals and emerging stars, promising a thrilling spectacle of athletic prowess. Among the confirmed participants are Sam Kendricks of the USA and Emmanouil Karalis of Greece, who earned silver and bronze medals respectively at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating their ability to push Duplantis to his limits. Their presence ensures a rematch of Olympic proportions, with each athlete vying for the top spot on the podium.
Adding intrigue to the competition is the inclusion of Sondre Guttormsen of Norway, the reigning European Indoor Champion. Guttormsen’s recent success marks him as a rising force in the pole vault world, injecting a fresh element of competition into the mix. His performance at the Mondo Classic will be closely watched as he tests his mettle against the world’s best. France’s Thibaut Collet, another exciting young prospect, will also join the fray, bringing his own aspirations of upsetting the established order. Collet’s participation underscores the generational shift happening in the sport, with younger athletes eager to challenge the dominance of established names like Duplantis.
The Mondo Classic will also witness the debut of a seasoned veteran, Renaud Lavillenie of France, a former world record holder and perennial contender. Lavillenie’s experience and past successes add a layer of historical significance to the competition, offering a captivating contrast to the youthful exuberance of athletes like Guttormsen and Collet. His presence provides a valuable benchmark against which the younger generation can measure their progress. Further strengthening the field is the inclusion of Ben Broeders of Belgium, a former World Championship finalist and training partner of Duplantis. Broeders’ familiarity with Duplantis’ training regimen could provide him with unique insights into his competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, adding another layer of tactical intrigue to the event.
For Duplantis, competing on home soil in Uppsala carries a special significance. He acknowledges the pressure to perform at his best in front of a home crowd, but also embraces the opportunity to showcase his skills in a familiar environment. The Mondo Classic provides a unique platform for Duplantis to connect with his Swedish fanbase and inspire the next generation of athletes. He recognizes the strong competition he faces, highlighting the fact that many of the participants at the Mondo Classic were his rivals at the Paris Olympics and will be again at the upcoming Indoor World Championships in China. This underlines the importance of the Mondo Classic as a crucial stepping stone in preparation for major international competitions.
The confirmed lineup for the Mondo Classic represents a formidable collection of pole vaulting talent, promising a captivating display of athleticism and competition. With a mix of established stars, rising talents, and seasoned veterans, the event is poised to deliver thrilling moments and potentially rewrite record books. The variety within the field ensures a dynamic competition, with different styles and approaches to the pole vault on full display. The presence of Duplantis, competing in his own invitational, adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, as the world watches to see if he can maintain his dominance against a field of determined challengers.
The final participant for the Mondo Classic will be announced in February, completing the ten-athlete lineup. This final addition adds an element of suspense, leaving fans and competitors alike speculating about who will fill the last spot. This strategic timing also allows for consideration of recent performances and emerging talent, ensuring that the field remains as competitive as possible. The anticipation surrounding the announcement of the tenth participant further builds excitement for the Mondo Classic, promising a truly world-class competition.
