Greek Olympic medalist Emmanouil Karalis and Swedish world record holder Armand Duplantis declared themselves ready for the Diamond League pole vault final in Brussels, expressing mutual respect ahead of Friday's competition.
Karalis spoke about his ambition to set a world record after clearing 6.20 metres for the first time last week, an event where he also made unsuccessful attempts at a new world mark.
The Greek athlete told a press conference that his attempts at the world record felt good and suggested that he could achieve the feat one day. He noted that the standard in modern pole vaulting is so high that a competitor clearing six metres could still finish fourth or fifth, or even end up second while setting a world record.
The Diamond League serves as the premier annual series of track and field meetings, bringing together the world's top athletes for a season-ending final in the Belgian capital. Duplantis, the Swedish star known to fans as Mondo, has dominated the discipline as the global record holder, while Karalis has established himself among the sport's elite contenders.
Friendly rivalry and contrasting styles
Karalis praised his Swedish rival, explaining that he feels happy to compete in the era of Duplantis. He said that Duplantis shows everyone what is possible and has broken mental barriers for him and many other vaulters. Karalis added that while Duplantis pushes him to improve, he also pushes Duplantis in return.
Addressing their contrasting technical approaches, Karalis described Duplantis as faster and himself as stronger, noting that there is no single correct way to reach the top of pole vaulting. He emphasized that his primary focus remains winning competitions and medals. Karalis highlighted their close personal bond, stating that although they are fierce rivals on the runway, they are friends above all and will share a glass of wine together after Friday's competition regardless of the result.
Duplantis acknowledges growing challenge
Duplantis offered strong praise for Karalis, acknowledging that it is no longer enough for him to perform as he did in previous years. He said that competing against Karalis requires him to be in his best possible condition and to genuinely race rather than simply chase records. Duplantis added that he believes he will need at least a meeting record to secure victory on Friday.
The Swedish record holder remarked that having a friend who makes him better is a positive experience, adding that Karalis is in unbelievable shape and is pushing him in a way he has not felt for years. Duplantis stated that spectators want to see intense battles rather than just record attempts, and that Karalis brings that competitive energy to the event.
Duplantis concluded that while records come and go, memorable battles and victories remain. He added that if Karalis were to win the Brussels final, it would feel like a strange emotion for him, but ultimately a beautiful one.
