Mondo Duplantis Hits New Heights With ‘Claw’ After 14th Pole Vault World Record

There are athletes who dominate their sport, and then there’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis. At just 25 years old, the Swedish-American phenom has already rewritten the pole vault record books so many times that fans are running out of superlatives. And yet, somehow, he keeps raising the bar—literally and figuratively.

His latest achievement? Breaking his own world record for the 14th time, this time with a new move he’s calling “The Claw.”

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A Career Built on Defying Gravity

Pole vault is one of athletics’ most technical and unforgiving events. It requires a rare mix of speed, strength, gymnastic agility, and nerves of steel. And since his teenage years, Duplantis has made the impossible look routine.

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, to a Swedish mother and American father, Mondo was practically destined for the sport. His father, Greg Duplantis, was himself a pole vaulter, while his mother, Helena, was a heptathlete and volleyball player. That athletic pedigree laid the foundation—but it was Mondo’s raw talent and relentless drive that carried him to the top.

At just 20, he became the youngest man ever to set a pole vault world record. By 25, he’s rewritten it 14 times. Few athletes in history have maintained that level of consistent dominance.

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The Birth of “The Claw”

So what exactly is “The Claw”?

According to Duplantis, it’s a subtle but revolutionary tweak in his technique. Rather than relying purely on explosive upward thrust, The Claw emphasizes how he grips and transitions the pole mid-flight, giving him more control and better lift at the crucial takeoff moment.

Athletics insiders are already comparing this adjustment to the Fosbury Flop in high jump—a technique innovation that redefined the sport. If The Claw proves as effective as it looked in Paris, Duplantis may have just ushered in a new era for pole vaulting.

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The Mental Side of Breaking Records

Setting a world record once is the dream of a lifetime. Doing it 14 times requires not just physical excellence but also mental fortitude.

For Duplantis, the challenge is no longer just beating opponents—he’s competing against himself. That can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Each record he breaks raises expectations, not just from fans but also from his own mind.

Still, his calm demeanor and boyish charm suggest he thrives under pressure. Asked after his latest feat how much higher he can go, Duplantis smiled and said: “As high as the pole lets me.”

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Why Duplantis Resonates Beyond Athletics

Mondo isn’t just an athletics superstar—he’s become a global sports icon. There are a few reasons for that:

1. Consistency – In an era where many records stand untouched for decades, Duplantis breaks them like clockwork.

2. Showmanship – His flights aren’t just about numbers; they’re about spectacle. The crowd senses history every time he runs down the runway.

3. Global Identity – With dual heritage, Duplantis resonates in both Europe and the United States, broadening his fan base.

4. Relatability – Despite his dominance, Mondo remains approachable and humble, often crediting his family and team for his success.

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The Numbers Behind the Record

Duplantis’ latest vault cleared an astonishing 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches)—a height most people can’t even fathom. For perspective: that’s higher than a two-story house, cleared with nothing but speed, leverage, and sheer athletic brilliance.

Sports scientists continue to analyze his technique, noting that Duplantis’ sprint speed on the runway, combined with his uncanny timing at the plant, allows him to generate unmatched upward momentum. Add The Claw into the mix, and we may not have seen his ceiling yet.

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Where Does He Go From Here?

The big question on everyone’s mind: How high can Mondo Duplantis actually go?

Some experts speculate he may push the world record past 6.30 meters before his career is over. Others argue that his perfect blend of genetics, training, and innovation could push boundaries even further.

What seems certain is that Duplantis won’t settle. He’s not the type of athlete to rest on past achievements. For him, breaking records isn’t about numbers—it’s about chasing the limits of human possibility.

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Legacy Already Secured, But History Still to Be Made

Even if Duplantis never broke another record, his legacy is safe. Fourteen world records. Olympic gold. World and European titles. A place among the greatest track and field athletes in history.

But the thing about Mondo is, he’s just getting started. At 25, he’s still in his athletic prime. With the Paris 2025 Diamond League season underway and another Olympic Games on the horizon, there’s no telling what heights he’ll reach.

Like Usain Bolt before him, Duplantis has become more than just a champion. He’s a showman, a standard-bearer, and an innovator. His Claw technique might just inspire a new generation of vaulters to reimagine what’s possible.

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Final Thoughts: A Legend in Motion

There’s something magical about watching greatness unfold in real time. We’re not just reading about records in the history books—we’re witnessing them being written, live.

Mondo Duplantis’ latest achievement isn’t just another world record. It’s proof that innovation, courage, and unrelenting ambition can still redefine the boundaries of sport.

The pole vault bar will keep rising. And if history is any guide, Mondo Duplantis will keep soaring over it—with a smile, a leap, and now, The Claw.