"It was a different kind of viralness" - Mondo Duplantis on his viral video of running to GF Desire Inglander after winning gold at Paris Olympics
2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Mondo Duplantis has commented on the viral moment he had with his girlfriend Desire Inglander at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Swedish pole vaulter's comments come just a day before his participation at the 2024 Diamond League in Brussels.
At the Paris quadrennial event, Duplantis successfully defended his Pole Vault title after registering a mark of 6.25m. Following this impressive victory, Duplantis ran to his girlfriend, who was present there at Stade de France and had just witnessed him break the world record.
The couple shared a sweet moment and embraced with hugs and kisses. This heartwarming moment also captured the eyes of netizens and became viral. Speaking about this moment during the pre-event press meet of the Brussels Diamond League, Duplantis credited social media for the immense spread of the video.
He said (via Diamond League Athletics):
"I mean like 100 percent honestly it just went viral on the internet, I think that's pretty much the only reason, just like social media and stuff, blew up. Me running up to Des (Desire inglander) and stuff like that, it just went viral. "
He added:
"So, I think that's the power of the internet I guess, and just like modern social networking, whatever you want to say. So I think that's the main thing and that's the biggest difference. That's what has kind of really made it spread and, of course, it was like a different level of viralness."
Mondo Duplantis sealed another victory at the Zurich Diamond League
Competing in his specialization pole vault event after his exhibition 100m victory against Karsten Warholm, Mondo Duplantis scripted yet another solid performance. The Swede clinched the top-podium finish after registering a mark of 5.82m.
Even though it was not Duplantis' best performance when compared to his record-breaking outing in Silesia, it was enough to get him past the United States' Sam Kendricks. Australian athlete Kurtis Marschall finished third in the event after managing a mark of 5.72m.
With this impressive victory at Zurich, Duplantis kept his undefeated streak in the 2024 Diamond League events intact. He now has eight Diamond League victories in 2024.