Duplantis, who cleared 5.71 meters, finished in second place right behind Sam Kendricks, who secured a win with 5.81 meters. This marked the first time in his athletic career that Duplantis bested world record holder and two-time Olympic medalist Renaud Lavillenie (who earned the gold medal in the 2012 Olympics, and the silver in the 2016 Olympics respectively). Lavillenie came in fifth place with 5.56 meters, and Canadian pole vaulter Shawn Barber finished sixth.
Earlier this month, on May 5, Duplantis improved his own world junior record to 5.93 meters, which is the second best outdoor performance in the men’s pole vault so far this year (after Lavillenie’s 5.95 meters).
The 44th annual Prefontaine Classic (Pre Classic) pays homage to the memory of American Olympian and running legend Steve Prefontaine.
Read More: Digital Journal chatted with Mondo Duplantis in April of 2018 about his plans for the year.
