On March 22, 2025 (Beijing time), the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 witnessed an electrifying men’s pole vault final. The world’s top three-ranked vaulters went head-to-head in a thrilling showdown, but it was Swedish superstar Armand Duplantis who once again reigned supreme, clearing 6.15m to clinch his third consecutive indoor world championship title. Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis put up a fierce fight, clearing 6.05m to win silver and set a new Greek national record. American star Sam Kendricks secured the bronze medal with a height of 5.90m. China’s rising talent LI Chenyang, making his indoor world championship debut, finished eighth with 5.55m.

Duplantis began his competition at 5.70m, clearing the bar with ease. He then smoothly sailed over 5.90m, 6.00m, and 6.05m, needing a second attempt at 6.10m before successfully clearing it. Finally, he attempted 6.15m and cleared it on his first try, sealing the gold medal in dominant fashion.

Karalis also delivered an impressive performance, clearing 5.70m, 5.80m, 5.90m, 5.95m, and 6.05m on his first attempts. He made two unsuccessful tries at 6.10m before boldly going straight for 6.15m on his final attempt, but he fell just short.

At just 25 years old, Duplantis has rewritten history 11 times, pushing the world record from 6.17m to 6.27m. He currently holds all of the top 10 highest jumps in men’s pole vault history. After his victory, Duplantis acknowledged the intense competition: “Karalis really pushed me today, which doesn’t happen often. To have someone still right behind me at 6.15m, that was really cool!”

For 21-year-old LI Chenyang, China’s national record holder, this was his first-ever indoor world championship appearance. Reflecting on his performance, he said: “The most important thing for me was gaining experience. Watching how these world-class athletes approach technique and competition is something I can learn from.”

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