Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

A pole vaulter sent over 70,000 wild by setting an incredible new world record at the Olympic Games.

Athletics fans have been treated to an incredible 24 hours at the 2024 Olympic Games, with records falling by the hour.

On Sunday evening fans inside the Stade de France witnessed arguably the greatest men’s 100 metre final in history, with Noah Lyles winning a photo-finish by five-thousandths of a second.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was incredible, but few expected the men’s pole vault final to rival it the following evening.

On Monday Sweden’s Armand Duplantis successfully defended the gold medal he won in Tokyo in 2021, but he wasn’t content with just winning.

After his victory was already confirmed, Duplantis attempted to set a new world record with the bar set at 6.25m.

After failing on his first two attempts, the 24-year-old succeeded on his third to the delight of the crowd who had stayed behind to watch him make history.

It’s the ninth world record Duplantis has set in his short career, making him one-of if not the greatest male pole vaulter of all-time.

The Swede celebrated wildly, running over to his family in the stands before taking a lap of honour with the silver and bronze medalists, Sam Kendricks and Emmanouill Karalis.

Armand Duplantis, a Swedish pole vaulter, has rapidly risen to prominence in the world of athletics with a career marked by record-breaking performances and a series of remarkable achievements. Born on November 10, 1999, in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, Duplantis was introduced to pole vaulting at an early age by his father, Greg Duplantis, a former vaulter and coach. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural athletic talent, set the stage for what would become a storied career.

Duplantis first gained significant attention in 2016 when he won the World Junior Championships in Poland, setting a new world junior record with a vault of 5.90 meters. This performance marked the beginning of his ascent in the pole vaulting world and showcased his potential to compete at the highest levels. By the time he transitioned to the senior circuit, Duplantis was already considered one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

His breakthrough on the global stage came in 2018 when he captured the gold medal at the European Championships in Berlin with a clearance of 6.05 meters. This victory was particularly notable as it demonstrated his ability to compete successfully against established pole vaulting legends. His performance at the European Championships cemented his status as a rising star in the sport.

In 2019, Duplantis achieved a historic milestone by setting a new world indoor record of 6.17 meters at a meet in Torun, Poland. This record was a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency, as he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in pole vaulting. His indoor success was followed by an equally impressive outdoor season, where he set a new world record with a vault of 6.15 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League meet. This achievement further solidified his reputation as one of the premier pole vaulters in the world.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were a major highlight of Duplantis’s career. Although he did not win gold, finishing second with a height of 6.02 meters, his performance was a testament to his resilience and skill. The Olympic experience was a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the world’s biggest stage.

Duplantis’s career continued to flourish in the years following the Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, he set a new outdoor world record with a vault of 6.18 meters at a meet in Rome, surpassing his previous outdoor record and establishing himself as the preeminent pole vaulter of his generation. His achievements that year included victories at the Diamond League Final and the European Indoor Championships, where he continued to demonstrate his dominance in the sport.

The year 2022 saw Duplantis maintaining his high standards of performance. He secured victories at major international meets and continued to set and break records, further establishing his legacy in pole vaulting. His remarkable consistency and ability to perform at a high level throughout the year earned him accolades and recognition from the athletics community.

Duplantis’s career has been characterized by not only his impressive vaulting heights but also his remarkable technique and athleticism. His training regimen, guided by his father Greg and other coaches, focuses on maximizing his pole vaulting potential while maintaining his physical and mental well-being. His dedication to the sport, combined with his natural talent, has enabled him to achieve and surpass numerous milestones.