Kurtis Marschall has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the sporting year, defeating the seemingly unbeatable pole vault king Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis in front of his home fans at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting. The Australian world bronze medallist clinched a wholly unlikely victory with a clearance of 5.90 metres on his third and final attempt in difficult, gusty conditions.
Duplantis' Rare Defeat Ends Historic Streak
Duplantis, who had not lost in 40 consecutive events spanning nearly three years, was visibly disappointed but gracious in defeat. The world's top athlete admitted he may have been distracted by his upcoming wedding, but refused to make excuses. 'It was time to lose. I can't fathom that I won 40 in a row, but it's also sick that I lose in Stockholm, which is the most important competition of the year for me,' Duplantis said. 'I lost at my home city, I had so much family here, it's actually the worst thing that could ever happen to me. But big hats off to Kurtis today, he was the better man and beat me fair and square. I have no excuses.'
The 26-year-old Swede last tasted defeat at the Monaco Diamond League in July 2023, where he tied for fourth. Since then, he has raised the world record nine more times to its current landmark of 6.31 metres, amassing 15 world records in total. In Stockholm, Duplantis cleared 5.80 metres but failed twice at 6.00 metres and once at 6.05 metres, leaving the South Australian Marschall gobsmacked.
Marschall's Joy and Respect for Duplantis
'I did not mean to spoil the show but I am so delighted with the win. It has taken a long while to get my first Diamond League victory and I really thought it would never come with Mondo here,' smiled the incredulous 29-year-old double Commonwealth champion Marschall. 'We know he will be back as he won't like being beaten, but he told me he was chuffed it was me. I can't believe it! I'm going to cherish this for my whole life!'
Marschall, who occasionally trains with Duplantis, added: 'Mondo's one of the best competitors and one of the best blokes. I love him with all my heart. Track and field would not be where it is without Mondo, so we are so lucky to have him in our sport.'
Other Australian Success in Europe
On another fruitful day for Australian athletes in Europe, Canberra middle-distance star Cameron Myers and Queensland discus stalwart Matthew Denny also finished on the podium. In the 1500 metres, the 19-year-old Myers enjoyed a final-lap duel with US Olympic medallist Yared Nuguse, only being passed on the home straight as he clocked 3 minutes 30.32 seconds to Nuguse's 3:30.11. Olympic medallist Denny also finished runner-up, producing one of the best throws of his career (69.02 metres) to finish behind home favourite and world champion Daniel Stahl, who sent out a soaring 69.60-metre winner.
