Armand Duplantis made three good attempts at a new world record and won in Clermont after passing 6.01. Behind Duplantis in second place was a familiar name: Renaud Lavillenie, who managed 5.94 in his own competition in his hometown. The jump meant a season-best raise of 14 cm and was met with deafening cheers inside the Maison du Sport in Clermont.

- I can't complain about the competition today. That I jumped 5.94 and came second behind "Mondo", I am very happy about that. As an organizer, I am also very satisfied. It was a crazy competition today with six guys over 5.80, it was wonderful, ”Lavillenie told SVT Sport.

"We must not forget what I have done"

5.94 meant that the Frenchman beat Sam Kendricks who stopped at 5.85. Prior to the Olympics, the favorite team of most people was placed on Duplantis but with Kendricks, the double world champion, as the challenger. Renaud Lavillenie has talked humbly about her goals before Tokyo before the competition but in the mixed zone afterwards the Frenchman becomes a little more confident.

- We can't forget what I've done. The last two Olympics I have done quite well in from me (Gold 2012, silver 2016, ed. Note). My biggest rivals are Sam and "Mondo" and they are tough but we have to remember that stick jumping is random, whatever can happen, Lavillenie tells SVT Sport and continues:

- It's nice to show my competitors that I'm back for real. It has been a long time since Berlin (European Championship 2018 is announced) to be back and jump well. But the guys know me and they know what I'm capable of.

ARCHIVE: Here Lavillenie Duplantis calls and congratulates:

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Duplant ice cream in conversation with Lavillenie Photo: SVT / Bildbyrån

Hope the world record is set in the hometown

Armand Duplantis has had a fantastic indoor season and will be the first pole vault ever with five straight indoor races over 6 meters. There was no world record in Clermont for "Mondo" but Lavillenie has not lost hope of breaking the world record in his hometown.

- There is no reason why he will not return here in the future. I don't know how high he will have raised the world record for next year but I would love if he set a world record here.