Mondo Duplantis attributes his pole vault success to his speed on the runway and his use of specially-designed sprinting spikes, a departure from typical pole vault footwear. He recently set his 13th world record by clearing a height of 6.29 meters and is poised to aim for a third consecutive world title in Tokyo.
During a Puma event in the city, Duplantis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of his shoes, emphasizing the importance of innovation. Noting the evolution of his footwear, he highlighted the advancements in materials like nitrofoam and the tailored design that cater to his specific needs.
Analysis of Duplantis’s performance reveals his exceptional speed compared to his competitors, with only a couple managing to surpass the six-meter mark this season. The athlete emphasized the significance of speed and energy generation on the runway, asserting that it correlates with achieving higher jumps.
Discussing the design of his spikes, Duplantis highlighted the shift towards a more sprint-like configuration with modifications to support pole vault takeoffs. He mentioned using a specialized version of his spikes known as the “claw” for important competitions, citing its enhanced grip and acceleration benefits.
Duplantis showcased his speed prowess by outrunning world record holder Karsten Warholm in a 100-meter race last year, demonstrating his versatility in sprinting alongside pole vaulting. Despite his enjoyment of sprinting, he clarified that his primary focus remains on pole vaulting, with sprint training complementing his overall athletic development.
