Duplantis: “I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me”
Duplantis was named Men’s World Athlete of the Year for a third time, following his wins in 2020 and 2022.
The double Olympic champion set four world records in 2025, clearing 6.30m in Tokyo to defend his world title. Duplantis also retained his indoor world title and went undefeated for a second successive season.
“This is such a huge honour,” said the 26-year-old. “I hope to keep pushing it. I hope to keep irritating everyone who has to vote for me for years to come!
“I’m proud to represent everyone who supports me – my family and my future wife. It’s really important for me to win this for the field eventers. I’m going to really cherish this one.
“I’m so obsessed with pole vaulting and I love pushing myself. I hope that I can inspire the next generation to try athletics, and even pole vaulting. If I can inspire even just a few people to do it, then I feel I’m doing my job.”