by Alfonz Juck
Mondo Duplantis, photo by Getty Images / British Athletics
Mondo Duplantis is an amazing athlete. He is a fascinating conundrum. Allowed to be a young person, and allowed and encouraged to do something that he loves to do.
LIEVIN (FRA): On breaking two world records this winter, Armand Duplantis said before Wednesday competition: “This whole thing doesn’t feel real yet. I’ve always dreamt of breaking world records, I always thought that I was capable of it. But you never know when everything is going to come together and actually happen. But I’ve been feeling really good jumping lately, and the response has been incredible,” he said. “My body still feels fresh and of I feel good jumping now of course. It’s part of the whole process building up to this summer. I want to have my best performance and to do the best I can at the Olympics.” He will also compete in Clermont-Ferrand this weekend, his last competition of the indoor season. In Lievin the World record bonus is set at 50 000 euro.
LIEVIN (FRA): In an video interview with CNN Mondo Duplantis explained his family relationship with father, mother and brothers and also explained from where the nickname Mondo comes. “So many things must come together for a record jump,” he added. It is rare that CNN brings longer interviews with athletics stars, previously only Usain Bolt got such a chance. Also Lafayette filmmaker Brennan Robideaux has spent the last three years traveling the world to capture pivotal and personal moments of a pole vaulter named Armand “Mondo” Duplantis. “From my perspective, it was a very calculated risk,” Robideaux said. “For others who weren’t privy to the sport, they thought I was a little insane to fly around the world and sleep on floors and spend so much money for this.” Informs the advocate.com.
