Armand Duplantis isn't just competing with other athletes—he's competing with himself! The 24-year-old Swedish pole vault sensation has been breaking his own world records, soaring to new heights both literally and figuratively. 🏆
Despite his young age, Duplantis has dominated the pole vault scene at major international competitions like the Summer Olympics, the World Athletics Championships, and the World Indoor Championships. But for Duplantis, it's not just about the medals—it's about the passion for the sport.
\"I love doing it. I'm still very passionate about it,\" Duplantis shared. \"I love pushing myself and seeing what I can do. I just still care about it. I don't really know how to explain it. I just get out on the track and I want to be the best version of myself.\"
Finding motivation is key for top athletes, and Duplantis finds his by focusing inward. He keeps his attention on competing against himself, a tactic that's clearly working as he continues to shatter his own records. 🚀
\"Pole vaulting is a competition within yourself and against yourself in the first place,\" he explained. \"Whether you're going for a world record or whether you're going for third place or you're just a beginner, it doesn't really matter because you're just competing against the bar.\"
With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on the horizon, Duplantis is aiming to defend his Olympic gold medal. And he's brimming with confidence.
\"I don't have any doubts in my mind,\" he said. \"I feel very confident about it. And you know, I don't really think negative. I know that whenever I step out on the track, I should be the best—that's just the kind of jumper that I am.\"
Duplantis's journey reminds us all that the biggest competition is often with ourselves. By continuously pushing his own limits, he's not just raising the bar for himself but inspiring others to do the same. ✨
Reference(s):
World pole vault record holder Duplantis always competes with himself
cgtn.com
