Quotes from pole vault gold medallist and world record breaker Armand Duplantis (SWE) at a press conference at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Monday.
Armand Duplantis (SWE) – gold
On breaking the record in Tokyo’s National Stadium:
“The stadium was so different from last time I was here (at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021). I think the difference was being able to have spectators and the full energy of the crowd. It was one of the best stadiums I’ve ever experienced towards the end when it was getting late.
“I had confidence the whole time. I took more jumps than is optimal for breaking world records. But I had to make sure I won first before taking a leap at the record, no matter where the energy level was.
On breaking the 6.30m barrier:
“6.30m sounds super nice, super clean, a new barrier for our sport. And it sounds a lot better than 6.29m, for sure. It’s way more special (than any other record), like night and day.
“Having a world record in a championship meet is extra special for me and everyone. It’s the most important competition of the year. A lot more people are going to be watching this live, for sure.”
On what was going through his mind:
“Less than you would think. I was kind of chilling, channelling the energy of everybody. In big moments like these I always try to enjoy myself.”
On his routine:
“I’m the least routine-based athlete here. I’m just going with the flow, getting a feel for my body and what feels nice. I genuinely have no routine or superstitions, or whatever. I just do whatever. I just vibe.”
On how he handles the pressure:
“I have confidence in my preparation and who I am as an athlete and a jumper. It’s not the first time I’ve been in this situation. I’m used to going up there and playing the game.
“Sometimes it feels like your whole life on the line at the end of the day, and sometimes it’s not that deep. I leave everything out there and give my full self.
“A lot of people expect world records from me a lot of times. I’ve shown that whenever the conditions are right, and I’m up for it, then I have a really good chance.”
On his experience of Tokyo:
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Japan so far. It has the best food I’ve had in my whole entire life. I always loved Asian food but mostly Japanese, lots of good sushi and meat. Eating a lot of really good food is helpful. I just go to work out and eat food.”
AloJapan.com