Mondo proves he is human with first defeat in three years

Mondo Duplantis suffered his first defeat since July 2023 in the men’s pole vault at the BAUHAUS-galan, with the world record holder proving he is human after all in Stockholm.

In front of his home fans, where he set a then-world record of 6.28m at the same meeting last year, Duplantis never quite looked himself. He failed with his opening attempt at 5.60m before clearing the height on his second try.

He then failed twice at 6.00m and, suddenly, any prospect of another world record attempt seemed remote. He raised the bar to 6.05m in a bid to salvage victory at least, but when he failed again, the win went to two-time world bronze medallist Kurtis Marschall.

The Australian cleared 5.90m on his third attempt, which proved enough for the outright victory. Duplantis finished second on countback ahead of France’s Baptiste Thiery after both athletes cleared 5.80m.

“I felt a bit unfocused today and I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans,” said an emotional Duplantis afterwards.

“I haven’t lost in, what, three years? But hats off to Kurtis today, who beat me fair and square, and I have no excuses.

“I’m not angry and I’ll continue enjoying my time here in Stockholm with my family. I’m also getting married soon, so unlucky in sport, lucky in love – if that’s a saying.”

Kpatcha took his first Diamond League victory

France’s Hilary Kpatcha took her first Diamond League victory by winning the long jump with a leap of 6.85 meters in the third round.

Just 1 centimeter further than the silver medalist from the European Indoor Championships Larissa Iapichino from Italy. Jamaica’s Nia Robinson was third with 6.80 meters.