Armand Duplantis wins Diamond League title in Zurich

ZURICH – Sweden’s Armand Duplantis and Australian Nicola Olyslagers sealed wins in the Diamond League at the high-octane “city event” in downtown Zurich on Aug 27.

Duplantis, fresh from setting a 13th world record of 6.29m in Budapest earlier this month, was competing in one of six field disciplines held at Zurich’s Sechselautenplatz, directly in front of the city’s iconic opera house.

The Swede had described the pole vault as a “beautiful circus act” and the street feel to the event certainly led to a visceral ambiance that left the temporary stands shaking amid stomping feet and raucous, choreographed cheers.

“It was really cool, really amazing, I loved the atmosphere,” said Duplantis.

“I’ve never done a street meet here. Compared to the stadium, it’s kind of the same but different.

“I like it, I think it’s super cool to be up and close to everybody.”

Duplantis ran out the winner in 6.0m over Greek rival Emmanouil Karalis for the perfect tonic before the Sept 13-21 world championships in Tokyo.

The field of six was quickly cut, and just Duplantis and Karalis cleared 5.90m as the bar was raised to 6.0m.

Karalis failed in his first bid at that mark, but Duplantis sailed over.

A second failure and the pressure mounted on the Greek.

In front of a rowdy crowd of 5,000 and with the Zorba’s Dance booming out over the tannoy, Karalis went clear to ensure the competition continued.

The bar went up to 6.10m, but it proved too high on the night for both athletes, Duplantis winning on countback.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Olympic champion and world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh renewed her rivalry with two-time world indoor champion Olyslagers in the women’s high jump.

Olyslagers was first over at 2.02m with Mahuchikh clearing on her second attempt. The Australian then cleared 2.04m but Mahuchikh upped the ante by having the bar raised to 2.06m.

Olyslagers had three failures at that height, leaving the Ukrainian with one shot at snatching the win. But she clipped the bar and had to be content with second behind Olyslagers.

The women’s pole vault went the way of Katie Moon, the American managing a best of 4.82m.

In a US podium clean sweep, Sandi Morris and Emily Grove finished second and third, both with 4.75m.

Two-time world champion Joe Kovacs, who missed the cut at the US trials and will not be going to the Tokyo world meet, nailed a 22.46m effort on his fifth attempt to bag the win in the men’s shot put.

“We absolutely love coming here for this street competition.

“There’s no better atmosphere,” said Kovacs. AFP