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Swedish pole vault legend Armand Duplantis’ unbeaten spree has come to an end. In the last three years, Duplantis was in competition with himself. Every competition he entered, the result was already decided. He was breaking records while others were competing for silver and bronze. But, in his home Diamond League event in Stockholm on June 7.
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‘Mundo’ could only clear 5.80 metres which is considerably lower than the world record set by him at 6.31 metres. He attempted 6.05m once and 6.00m twice but couldn't clear it.
Australia's Kurtis Marschall got an unlikely win. He won with a vault of 5.90m.
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"I felt a bit unfocused today and I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans. I have not lost in what, three years? But hats off to Kurtis today who beat me fair and square and I have no excuses," Duplantis said after his first outdoor meeting of the year.
"I am not angry and I will continue enjoying my time here in Stockholm with my family. I am also getting married soon, so unlucky in sports – lucky in love if that's a saying?" the 26-year-old added with a smile.
Duplantis on winning 40 in a row and accepting reality
Earlier, Duplantis had also failed his opening attempt of 5.60m. Unable to build momentum in his home event, Duplantis accepted that this may not be the first time he faces defeat. He pointed out his long-running streak. But, he rues losing the most important competition for him in the year.
"It was time to lose, it was a very long time (since the last time). I can't fathom that I won 40 in a row, it's pretty sick, but it's also sick that I lose in Stockholm, which is the most important competition of the year for me," Duplantis told Swedish broadcaster SVT, as per Reuters.
"This is not the last time I will lose, but I hope it's the last time I lose in Stockholm. I'm going to make sure of that, that it doesn't happen again," he added.
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