Emmanouil Karalis set a new national record of 6.20 metres in the pole vault at the Zurich Diamond League meeting in Switzerland. The Greek athlete then attempted a world record height for the first time in his career after passing on 6.25 metres to take on the bar at 6.32 metres.
Karalis made three attempts at 6.32 metres, placing the bar one centimetre above the existing world record held by Sweden's Armand Mondo Duplantis. The 6.20-metre vault broke the absolute Greek national record during a high-level competition in which three pole vaulters cleared six metres.
World Record Attempt at 6.32 Metres
Speaking after the event in Zurich, Karalis said that it had been a wonderful day despite feeling fatigue following ten consecutive days of competition. He noted that weather conditions were good, all competitors jumped high, and the athletes motivated one another throughout the contest. Karalis added that enjoying himself during competitions allows him to vault higher.
The Greek champion, known by the nickname Manolo, said he came very close on his attempts at 6.32 metres. He stated that he pushed Duplantis while Duplantis pushed him back, describing his first opportunity to attempt a world record as a crazy experience. Karalis said attempting the height changed how he views greater bar levels, helping him build self-belief and realize that anything is achievable with continued hard work.
Rivalry With Mondo Duplantis
Karalis emphasized that his ongoing battle with Duplantis is beneficial for both pole vaulters and the wider sport of track and field. He expressed hope for many more head-to-head competitions, stating that intense battles excite spectators and push performance standards higher. Karalis said he feels blessed to compete at this level and proud to be part of what he described as a great era for pole vaulting.
The Diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field competitions organized by World Athletics, featuring 15 one-day meetings held across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Zurich meeting, known as Weltklasse Zurich, takes place at the Letzigrund stadium and routinely attracts world record holders and Olympic champions across all field events.
Technical Adjustments and Mental Barriers
When asked what technical improvements will be required to clear 6.32 metres in future events, Karalis said that he and his coaching team will have to find out. He acknowledged that technical elements still require refinement but highlighted the psychological benefit of seeing the bar set at world record height for the first time. Karalis noted that breaking through mental barriers will provide valuable momentum for his upcoming competitions.
Despite missing on his three attempts at 6.32 metres, Karalis expressed great satisfaction with his 6.20-metre clearance. He said he was holding on to the joy and affection shown by fans in the stadium. Karalis added that he hopes to vault slightly higher in his next outing, deliver another strong performance, and see what the future holds.
Global Fan Base and Olympic History
Karalis also spoke about the support he receives from fans, describing his relationship with Greek sports followers as incredible. He pointed out that Greece is the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games, where track and field events hold deep cultural importance. Karalis noted that while he receives strong backing from home, he now recognizes that he has developed a fan base across the globe.
Karalis is an Olympic medallist for Greece, having secured pole vault bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Duplantis won the Olympic gold medal in Paris while setting a world record, maintaining a dominant presence in the discipline alongside competitors like Karalis.
High-Level Competition in Zurich
Reflecting on the contest in Zurich, Karalis described six metres as a crazy height and called the achievement of three athletes clearing six metres in the same event unbelievable. He expressed hope that he, Duplantis, and their fellow pole vaulters will continue driving each other to greater heights.
Looking ahead to the conclusion of the track and field season, Karalis issued a message to supporters regarding the upcoming Diamond League final. He warned that the final competition would be hot and urged track fans to be present for the event.
