Swedish Armand Duplantis, world and Olympic pole vault champion, sees it as “possible” to beat the world record on the new track at the King Baudouin stadium in Brusselsat the Van Damme Memorial, the last test of the Diamond League circuit before the final in Eugene (USA).
The new track at the King Baudouin stadium, faster due to its new technical characteristics, could mean for Duplantis, “without doubt”, a benefit for improving its brands in the competition. This year, on three occasions in recent weeks, he has attempted to break the world record by facing the bar at a height of 6.23 meters, which he has not yet surpassed.
“The smoother the surface and the faster the approach, the higher I can jump. The record? I think it is possible, but all the pieces of the puzzle have to fit. It will not depend on the public, although here in Brussels it is always great and gives me energy,” said Duplantis at the pre-competition press conference.
Last year’s Van Damme Memorial was the only event where Duplantis, world record holder in the outdoor pole vault (6.21) and indoors (6.22) was left without a victory. The winner went to Filipino Ernest John Obiena.
“Every test is different and last year’s result doesn’t say anything about what will happen tomorrow, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care and it wasn’t a factor. I prefer to prove my worth. Still, I don’t feel the pressure, I’m very relaxed by nature” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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