Swedish pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis delivered an unforgettable performance at Tokyo's World Athletics Championships on Monday, securing his third world title before treating 53,000 spectators to a historic 6.30-meter world record clearance.
The 23-year-old Olympic champion sealed his victory in the competition's final moments, then returned to the runway for a record attempt that saw him soar over the bar on his third try. The achievement marks his 14th world record improvement since 2020.
"This stadium holds special memories," Duplantis told reporters, referencing his previous Tokyo appearances during pandemic-era competitions. "Sharing this moment with a full crowd after years of empty stands makes it truly magical."
The record-breaking jump occurred more than 30 minutes after official competition ended, with fans remaining in their seats to witness athletics history. Organizers kept the stadium lights illuminated specifically for the attempt.
Asian sports enthusiasts celebrated the landmark moment in a region increasingly prominent in global athletics. Tokyo last hosted the World Championships in 1991, with this year's event marking Japan's continued leadership in sporting infrastructure and event organization.
