Why is Duplantis called Mondo? Everything you need to know about the Swedish-American pole vaulter who will vie to defend his title in Paris

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Aug 03, 2024 12:19 GMT

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Armand Duplantis, who is also known as Mondo, was named "Mondo Man" by his Godfather. He is a Swedish-American pole vaulter currently competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Swedish-American pole vaulter is vying in Paris as the defending champion. He clinched the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by recording a height of 6.02m to claim the victory over America's Christopher Nilsen and Brazil's Thiago Braz, who recorded 5.97m and 5.87m, respectively.

Mondo, an Italian term, meaning the "world" was bestowed upon him by his Godfather and although he called him "Mondo Man," only "Mondo" stayed with him till now.

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Mondo Duplantis' achievements

2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Getty Images)

Apart from his Olympic glory, the 24-year-old has secured three World Championships and two World Indoor Championships medals. His first world championship medal was earned in 2019. At the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, he won the gold after defeating Christopher Nilsen and Ernest John Obiena.

At the same event, the pole vaulter etched his name in history by posting a then-world record of 6.21m. A year later, he successfully defended his title with 6.10m, defeating Ernest John Obiena, Kurtis Marschall, and Christopher Nilsen. Duplantis went on to clinch gold medals in the World Indoor Championships in 2022 and 2024.

He consecutively bagged the Diamond League title thrice (2021-2023). The Olympian has also cemented his legacy in Europe with three Championships titles in 2018, 2022, and 2024.

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"I'm the center of attention" - Mondo Duplantis opens up on the struggles of traveling with the equipment

While track athletes easily travel with compact suitcases, field athletes such as Mondo Duplantis have to travel with their unique equipment, designed specifically for their sport. Although the height of the pole varies according to the preferences, it ranges between 4 and 5.20 meters.

In an interview with NBC, the pole vaulter opened up about the struggles of traveling with the humongous equipment, stating he becomes the "center of attention".

"It's very difficult to travel with them," he said. "When I'm in the airport, I'm just yelling, 'excuse me!' like the whole time...And everybody's just so confused. They think it might be skis, but (the bag) is like 20-feet long."

"I'm the center of attention when I walk into an airport with the sticks. That's for sure," he added.

The men's pole vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be held on August 5, 2024.