.jpg)
Duplantis explains surprise defeat after more than 1,000 days of unbeaten streak
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 08.06.26. | 14:27
The Olympic champion was expected to win or even break his record only to struggle in clearing heights in front of home crowd
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis has opened up on his shock defeat at the Stockholm Diamond League that saw his remarkable unbeaten streak of nearly three years come to an end on home soil on Sunday, 7 June.
The Swedish, widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, was beaten for the first time in 40 competitions on Sunday as Australia's Kurtis Marschall claimed victory at the iconic Stockholm Olympic Stadium.
Duplantis, who had not lost a competition since the Monaco Diamond League in July 2023, managed a best clearance of 5.80m before failing twice at 6.00m and once at 6.05m.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
Marschall cleared 5.90m to secure one of the biggest wins of his career and hand the world record holder his first defeat in 35 months.
The result brought to an end one of the most dominant streaks in modern athletics.
During that run, Duplantis won two world outdoor titles, two world indoor titles, Olympic gold at Paris 2024 and multiple Diamond League crowns.
He also rewrote the record books, breaking the pole vault world record ten times during that period and raising it from 6.23m to 6.31m.
Ironically, the venue where the streak ended was the same Stockholm Olympic Stadium where Duplantis thrilled home fans by setting his 12th world record last year.
Despite the disappointment, the 26-year-old refused to make excuses and instead praised Marschall's performance.
"I felt a bit unfocused, and I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans," Duplantis said after the competition.
"I have not lost in what, three years? But hats off to Kurtis today, who beat me fair and square. I have no excuses,” he said.
.jpg)
The Swede, who has now broken the world record 15 times, admitted the defeat was difficult to take in front of a home crowd but insisted it would not dampen his mood.
"I am not angry, and I will continue enjoying my time here in Stockholm with my family," he added.
"I am also getting married soon, so unlucky in sports – lucky in love, if that's a saying?" he teased.
For Marschall, the victory represented a career-defining moment.
The Australian, a three-time world championship bronze medallist and member of the exclusive six-metre club, has long been one of Duplantis' closest challengers, but had struggled to get the better of the Swedish star on the biggest stages.
His breakthrough finally arrived in Stockholm.
"I can't believe it. I'm going to cherish this for my whole life. They don't come easy in this day and age,” he said.
The Australian revealed he knew he had to produce something special to beat Duplantis.
"I jumped great in these conditions. I'm very happy, but I know Mondo isn't going to let it happen in the future,” he offered.
Marschall also paid tribute to his rival, acknowledging the role Duplantis has played in elevating the event globally.
"This stadium wouldn't be what it is without him, so to come here and do it in front of this crowd, I'm cherishing every single moment. He's one of the best competitors and one of the best blokes. I love him with all my heart,” he said.
While Duplantis' extraordinary winning streak has finally ended, few would bet against the pole vault king bouncing back quickly as he turns his focus toward the remainder of the season, and perhaps more world records.