Lausanne (AFP)
Swedish prodigy Armand Duplantis (20) had a magnificent performance on Wednesday in Lausanne by winning the pole vault competition held in the city center with a jump to 6.07 m, the best of the year.
The world record holder (6.18 m since February 15) delivered a superb duel with the two-time American world champion Sam Kendricks (6.02 m) before attempting to beat the best leap in outdoor history ( 6.14 m by Sergeï Bubka, July 31, 1994 in Sestriere).
The Swede, impressive ease throughout the competition, however preferred to stop his effort after an aborted first attempt at 6.15 m, the darkness making visibility difficult on the Place de l'Europe in Lausanne, where two jumpers had been mounted.
Four days after having crossed 5.71 m at Pierre-Bénite, Renaud Lavillenie for his part did slightly better (5.72 m) but the former world record holder (6.16 m) could not to join in the royal struggle between Duplantis and Kendricks.
In the ladies' category, the Swedish Angelica Bengtsson won (4.72 m).
The "Athletissima" meeting in Lausanne, one of the major events of the summer season and flagship stage of the Diamond League, had this year opted for a particular format due to the health crisis by organizing only a competition of the pole in the city center.
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