by Sam Fariss
Sam Fariss is again writing for RunBlogRun; we could not be happier. Sam is writing a column on each Diamond League, and she will be doing a remote column on Budapest each day as well, providing us key content on the most important event of the year the 2023 World Championships.
Monaco Diamond League: Duplantis falls short
MONACO – For just the third time since 2019, Armand (Mondo) Duplantis was unable to walk, or vault, away with the victory. The reigning world record holder fell short on his final three attempts and landed himself in 4th place at the Monaco Herculis Diamond League meeting.
The young Swede has been seemingly impossible to defeat throughout the last few seasons, collecting six out of the top ten current world records. His personal best of 6.21 meters outdoors earned him the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, last year.
However, in Monaco, Duplantis seemed slightly out of sorts, unable to clear the bar at a height of 5.92 meters or 6.02 meters. His highest clearance of the day came in at 5.72 meters, tying him with American Sam Kendricks and German Bo Kanda Lita Baehre.
Before the competition, Duplantis shared that his goal for the day was a meeting record. He was able to earn first at his last appearance in Monaco back in 2020.
Herculis EBS
July 21, 2023, Monaco, photo by Kevin Morris
The top three finishers in the field seemed to be in top form throughout the competition. United States athlete Chris Nilsen cleared a height of 5.92 meters, tying his season best and achieving a 1st place finish.
“Every single time we come to a Diamond League meeting, it’s like another world championship,” Nilsen said. “The only difference is the stakes are a lot higher at the world championships, and that’s everyone’s goal.”
To finish out the podium, Ernest John Obiena, Philippines, and Kurtis Marschall, Australia, tied for 2nd place after bother clearing 5.82 meters.
Duplantis does not plan to compete again this season before heading to Budapest for this year’s world championships. He had been undefeated so far this season leading into Monaco.
“I feel technically, like my feeling with the poles and the rhythm, is exactly where I want to be,” Duplantis said before the meeting. “So, I just need to prepare physically and get a few more trainings for Budapest.”
The World Athletics Championships will be held in Budapest from August 19th through August 27th, just under a month from now.
