AW promotion: The Mondo Classic 2025 promises to be a true celebration of pole vaulting excellence, showcasing the world’s best athletes in the heart of Uppsala
On March 13, 2025, the spotlight will once again fall on Uppsala, Sweden, as the Mondo Classic returns to the IFU Arena for its fourth edition. This event, created to celebrate the talents of Swedish-American pole vault superstar Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, is a highlight in the athletics calendar. Taking place just eight days before the World Indoor Championships in China, it promises an electrifying showcase of the world’s elite jumpers at their peak.
A record-breaking season for Mondo Duplantis
The Mondo Classic has become synonymous with pushing boundaries, a concept Duplantis knows all too well. Looking back at his performances during 2024, which included three new world records and an unforgettable Olympic triumph, Mondo describes it as the realisation of a childhood dream.
“I love pole vaulting and constantly want to challenge myself to greater heights,” he shared, eagerly anticipating the 2025 indoor season. The dual milestones of the Mondo Classic and the World Indoor Championships set the stage for new feats of athletics brilliance.
Will new records be set in 2025? Fans can make their guess and bet on sports with bitcoin on numerous crypto sports betting platforms around the world. Whether they bet on the next high on pole vaulting, or who would win during the 100m race, Duplantis or Karsten Warholm (what once started as a tiz might become a tradition), these betting platforms have a lot of advantages. There are low fees, financial privacy, and a lot of bonuses. Fingers crossed that Mondo makes you happy in that sense, as well.
(Getty)
Perfect timing for peak performances
Peter Jonsson, project manager for the Mondo Classic, is confident in the timing of the event. Moving it a few weeks later than previous years allows competitors to arrive with competitive momentum from earlier meets.
“We are perfectly positioned for high jumps,” Jonsson explained, noting the event’s alignment with the European Championships and the global excitement surrounding the upcoming World Indoor Championships. The IFU Arena, a venue celebrated for its world-class pole vaulting setup, is ready to host another unforgettable competition.
Praise from Sergei Bubka
Mondo Duplantis’ career continues to be defined by rewriting the history books. In 2024, he broke the world record three times, with his latest mark of 6.25m achieved during the Paris Olympics. His consistent brilliance earned him the title of European Male Athlete of the Year, a prestigious honour awarded by the European Athletics Federation. The accolade adds to an already legendary career that includes dominance at the World Athletics Championships and the European Athletics Championships.
The pole vaulting world has been transformed by Duplantis’ achievements. Sergey Bubka, the iconic Ukrainian vaulter who once held the record for the most six-metre jumps, praised Duplantis for his ability to elevate the sport. “He is a great guy and a great athlete. We are all proud of him,” said Bubka, reflecting on the historical significance of Mondo’s record-breaking feats. Bubka’s predictions for Duplantis’ potential seem prophetic, as the Swedish athlete has shattered expectations time and again.
Sergey Bubka (Mark Shearman)
The evolution of the six-metre era in pole vaulting
Since Bubka’s groundbreaking leap of 6.00m in 1985, the six-metre mark has been a symbol of excellence in pole vaulting. Duplantis has redefined what is possible, breaking the world record nine times and setting the bar at an astounding 6.25m. Each vault reflects not just personal ambition but also the evolution of the sport itself. Renaud Lavillenie, another pole vault legend, briefly held the record at 6.16m before Mondo launched into his era of dominance.
Fun fact
Duplantis showed off some unexpected sprinting chops in Zurich, edging out 400m hurdles legend Karsten Warholm in a thrilling 100m exhibition race. Duplantis, known for soaring heights rather than lightning sprints, blazed through the finish line in 10.37 seconds, with Warholm hot on his heels at 10.47 seconds. Both athletes not only brought the drama but also smashed their personal bests in the process.
The showdown was anything but ordinary. Entering Letzigrund Stadium in boxing robes—Duplantis in bold blue and Warholm in fiery red—the pair hyped up the crowd with a spectacle of pure athletic theatre. As the race began, Duplantis’ explosive start left Warholm playing catch-up, and by the time the Swedish star crossed the finish line, he even had time for a cheeky glance back at his friend. “Stop playing with me!” joked a fired-up Duplantis after his victory.
The post Mondo Classic to serve up a feast of world-class pole vaulting appeared first on AW.
