Armand Duplantis, representing Sweden, began his season this past weekend at a competition organized by his colleague and friend Renaud Lavillenie in Clermont-Ferrand, France. However, his participation faced uncertainty due to a bout of food poisoning he experienced only a couple of days before the event. Duplantis shared with Expressen that he had spent approximately 20 out of the last 24 hours asleep and had undergone a difficult night due to vomiting, expressing his relief at managed to perform a few jumps and ultimately secure a victory.

During the competition, Duplantis successfully cleared heights of 570, 590, and 606 centimeters, but was unsuccessful in his three attempts to break the world record at 631 centimeters, with the bar falling each time. Despite the setbacks, Duplantis maintained a positive outlook, indicating that achieving a new personal best is still in the cards for him this season. He humorously remarked about his upcoming wedding plans, stating a world record bonus would be useful to cover wedding expenses, a remark he said was partly a joke.

In addition to showcasing his athletic prowess, this event marks a significant moment in Duplantis's life and career as he balances performance expectations with personal milestones, including his upcoming marriage. His humor regarding the pressure to achieve a world record not only reflects his personality but also highlights the intersection of sports and personal life, creating a relatable narrative for fans.