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Sensational Duplantis soars to new pole vault world record | The Express Tribune
TOKYO:
Sweden’s Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis set a new world record of 6.30 metres as he sensationally defended his world pole vault title in Tokyo on Monday.
Duplantis had already wrapped up the competition with a winning vault of 6.15m before raising the bar another 15cm.
The Swede went clear on his third attempt in what was his 14th world record in a discipline in which he is totally dominant. It was his fourth world record in 2025 alone.
After landing on the mat, the 25-year-old raced around the track before running into the stands and, flexing his muscles for the rapturous crowd, sought out his partner for a passionate kiss followed by a quick embrace of his parents.
A packed National Stadium loved it.
His rivals swarmed around him as he made his way back to the track, enveloped in a Swedish flag.
The victory sealed a third world outdoor title for Duplantis, who is also the two-time Olympic champion, three-time world indoor gold medallist and three-time European champion.
‘Knew I had it in me’
Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took silver with a best of 6.00m and Australian Kurtis Marschall claimed bronze with a personal best of 5.95m, taking the medal on countback from American Sam Kendricks.
I am so happy, I cannot explain it,” Duplantis said.
“For the past two weeks I really enjoyed being in Tokyo. I have been enjoying everything so much. I feel the only way to leave Japan was to set the world record.
“I was feeling really good the whole day. I knew I had the record in me. If I have the right runway I know that everything is possible. I am glad it all worked out.”
Duplantis came in at the opening height of 5.55m, sailing well clear. He passed at 5.75m but Karalis opted to vault, and with success.
Duplantis passed at 5.90m and then went over at 5.95m to increase the pressure on his rivals as Karalis, Marschall, Kendricks, the French pair of Thibaut Collet and Renaud Lavillenie, Norway’s Sondre Mogens Guttormsen and Dutchman Menno Vloon all failed in their first attempts at that height.
Karalis, Kendricks and Marschall then all went clear at 5.95m.
Duplantis was straight back on the runway to go over at 6.00m, followed immediately by Karalis.
The business end of the competition was now at its peak, the question being whether anyone could stay with the two best vaulters of the season.
Just Kendricks and Marschall had a shot left at the six-metre bar, but it proved too high for either, the Australian guaranteed bronze on countback from the American.
Duplantis cleared 6.10m and 6.15m at the first time of asking while Karalis failed on both his attempts, and an overly ambitious one at 6.20m, to consign himself to a silver medal.
Karalis with the fan
All eyes turned to the scoreboard to see what new height Duplantis would ask for. A hum came from the stands as 6.30m flashed up.
Duplantis went close on his first effort. Karalis turned helper in between vaults, holding an electronic fan to cool down Duplantis in stifling conditions.
The Swede’s second attempt was even closer, his ribs tickling the bar to bring it down.
But then came his third, masterful effort. The crowd first hushed as Duplantis rested his pole on one shoulder as he eyed the bar.
He raised his hands in a clap and the crowd followed. Rhythmic clapping accompanied him. Speed on the runway aligned perfectly with the technically tricky challenges of pole and flight management and Duplantis celebrated as he fell to earth with another world record in the bag.
“As soon as I take off, from transition from the ground through the air, I know if the jump is going to be valid,” Duplantis said.
“I know if I’ve transferred enough energy or it’s not really going to work out. The run says it all, everything is about speed. As long as I have that right, I know it will work out for me.”
The gold netted him $70,000 in prize money from World Athletics, the world record a further $100,000.
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Greg Biffle, his wife and children were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said in a post on social media.
Biffle and his family members were on board a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW making its way to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. The plane had the tail number N257BW, which is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, according to federal aviation records. The company is owned by Biffle.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Hudson wrote on X.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle appears during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”
“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said in an earlier press conference he could “confirm there were fatalities” in the crash. Officials didn’t identify who the deceased were or how many people were on board the plane. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed to Fox News Digital that there were seven fatalities in the crash.
NASCAR confirmed that Biffle, his wife and two children were killed in the crash, along with three others.
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
The Federal Aviation Administration told Fox News Digital the C550 crashed around 10:20 a.m. ET. FAA officials and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating, with the NTSB leading the probe.
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A massive fire is seen at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
The fire continued as emergency personnel rushed to the scene of a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
Smoke is seen billowing from a plane crash at Statesvlle Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
Later, the families of the deceased released a joint statement. Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle and children Ryder and Emma were among those identified as the victims of the plane crash along with Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the joint statement read.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
An official with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that the small jet crashed after it took off shortly after 10 a.m.
Video from the scene showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near the scattered wreckage from the plane.
Golfers at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club said they dropped to the ground as the plane flew overhead. They said the ninth hole was covered with debris.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” Joshua Green, of Mooresville, told The Associated Press. “It was scary.”
Statesville Regional Airport offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to the airport’s website.
Biffle, 55, drew significant praise last year when he used his personal helicopter to deliver supplies and internet service to those who need it in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in parts of North Carolina. He even located a stranded family while flying due to their use of a mirror against the sun.
Biffle had been delivering Starlink services to residents of western North Carolina and reflected on his experience helping out the stranded family whose mirror use saved them.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, on Feb. 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)
“Only way we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2 stroke oil, and sandwiches premade from Harris Teeter before we left,” Biffle posted at the time.
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Biffle had 19 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, six of them coming in 2005 when he finished second in the Cup standings. He won three consecutive Ford 400s from 2004 to 2006 at Homestead. He also earned 20 wins in the Xfinity Series, winning the 2002 title, and got 17 other checkered flags in the Craftsman Truck series, winning the championship in 2000. Biffle had originally stopped racing in 2016 but returned six years later.
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