Armand Duplantis made a strong statement in the first Diamond League meeting of the 2024 season by breaking his own pole vault world record with a 6.24 meters jump. This incredible feat surpassed his previous mark of 6.23 meters set last September. With ease, Duplantis cleared the bar, leaped off the sponge mat, and celebrated his achievement at the Egret Stadium. This was the eighth time the 24-year-old had broken the world record, solidifying his status as one of the best pole vaulters in the world.
As he heads into the Paris Olympics later this year, Duplantis is considered a firm favorite to win gold. His impressive resume includes two world outdoor titles, a world indoor title, and now a new world record. Meanwhile, in the women’s 200m event, Australian Torrie Lewis had a spectacular Diamond League debut by winning gold in lane nine. She beat out strong American competitors, including Sha’Carri Richardson, to claim victory in 22.96 seconds.
The women’s 400m event saw world champion Marileidy Paulino take the gold with a time of 50.08 seconds, followed by Natalia Kaczmarek and Britton Wilson. Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn dominated the women’s 100m hurdles, cruising to victory in 12.45 seconds. Overall, it was an exciting start to the Diamond League season, with athletes setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable year in track and field.