STOCKHOLM : Australia’s Kurtis Marschall ended Armand Duplantis’s remarkable run of 40 consecutive victories by winning the men’s pole vault at the Stockholm Diamond League on Sunday.
Marschall secured his first Diamond League title with a clearance of 5.90 metres, finishing ahead of the Swedish world-record holder and double Olympic champion on his home turf.
“I did not mean to spoil the Mondo show but I am so delighted with the win,” Marschall said after the competition.
“It has taken a long while to get my first Diamond League victory and I really thought it would never come with Mondo here.
“This stadium is fantastic and the crowd were amazing despite their support for Mondo.”
The victory marked a significant milestone for the Australian, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, who had repeatedly found himself competing in the shadow of the dominant Duplantis.
Marschall said the Swedish star had been gracious in defeat and expected him to return stronger.
“We know he will be back as he won’t like being beaten but he told me he was chuffed it was me,” Marschall added. “I will build on this.”
The result brought an end to one of athletics’ longest active winning streaks and denied Duplantis victory in front of his home supporters at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting.
