Marschall ends Duplantis' 40‑win streak in Stockholm

In a stunning upset that ended one of the most dominant streaks in modern athletics, Australia’s Kurtis Marschall defeated Olympic champion Armand “Mondo” Duplantis in the pole vault at the Stockholm Diamond League on Sunday, June 7. The victory by Marschall, who cleared 5.90 meters on his third and final attempt, halted Duplantis’s run of 40 consecutive wins, a streak that had lasted nearly three years.

Competing in front of his home crowd, the 26-year-old Swedish superstar had been widely expected not only to win but to challenge his own world record of 6.31 meters. Instead, Duplantis struggled from the outset, missing his first attempt at 5.60 meters. He cleared that height on his second try and easily made 5.80 meters, but then failed all three attempts at 6.00 meters and a final attempt at 6.05 meters, securing second place.

Reflecting on the loss, Duplantis was philosophical. “It was time to lose, it was a very long time since the last time,” he told Swedish broadcaster SVT. “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.” He added, “This is not the last time I will lose, but I...