Vaulting into History: Duplantis Soars to 14th World Record as India Struggles at Tokyo Championships

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo delivered a night of drama, awe, and heartbreak. Swedish pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis etched his name deeper into the annals of sporting greatness by breaking the world record for the 14th time, clearing a jaw-dropping 6.30 meters. Meanwhile, India’s campaign continued to falter, with no medals and few standout performances to show for their efforts so far.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the highs and lows from Tokyo.

Duplantis: The Sky Is No Limit

1. Mondo Duplantis cleared 6.30 meters on his third and final attempt, setting a new world record and clinching his third consecutive World Championship title.

2. The feat took place at Japan National Stadium, the same venue where Duplantis won his first senior global title in 2021, adding emotional weight to the achievement.

3. With this win, Duplantis now holds eight major senior international titles and has extended his unbeaten streak to 36 competitions since August 2023.

4. His strategy of raising the bar by just one centimeter each time mirrors the legendary Sergey Bubka, who broke the world record 35 times in the 1980s and 90s.

5. The competition itself was historic, with seven athletes clearing 5.90 meters or more—a first in pole vault history. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took silver with 6.00 meters, while Australia’s Kurtis Marschall earned bronze with a personal best of 5.95 meters.

India’s Ongoing Struggles

1. India’s contingent has yet to secure a medal at the Tokyo Championships, continuing a rough patch that began with underwhelming performances in the qualification rounds.

2. Star athletes failed to advance past early heats in key events such as the 100m, 400m hurdles, and long jump, despite high expectations.

3. The absence of Neeraj Chopra due to injury has left a noticeable void in India’s medal hopes, especially in the javelin throw where he previously dominated.

4. Promising sprinter Jyothi Yarraji missed out on the finals in the 100m hurdles, while long jumper Murali Sreeshankar struggled with form and fouls.

5. The Athletics Federation of India has acknowledged the need for deeper structural changes, citing lack of exposure to high-pressure international meets and inconsistent coaching support.

Global Highlights Beyond the Vault

1. Swiss hurdler Ditaji Kambundji stunned the field by winning the 100m hurdles in 12.24 seconds, becoming the first Swiss woman to win a global track title.

2. New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish claimed gold in the 3000m steeplechase with a dramatic late surge, narrowly beating Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali.

3. Canadian hammer thrower Camryn Rogers won her third consecutive global title with a massive 80.51-meter throw, solidifying her place as the second-best performer in history.

Looking Ahead

With several events still to come, India will be hoping for a turnaround in disciplines like race walking and relay events. However, the lack of podium finishes so far has sparked conversations about long-term athlete development, mental conditioning, and international exposure.

Meanwhile, Duplantis’s record-breaking performance has reignited global interest in pole vaulting, a discipline often overshadowed by sprint and field events. His consistency, charisma, and technical mastery continue to elevate the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Trajectories

The Tokyo Championships have become a stage for both triumph and introspection. While Duplantis soared to new heights, India’s athletes are left searching for answers and momentum. As the competition progresses, the contrast between individual brilliance and collective struggle remains stark—and compelling.

Sources: World Athletics, India Today, NBC Sports.