Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Mondo Duplantis makes pole vaulting appear effortless as he clears world-record heights, but the process is highly complex, according to Greek professor Athanassios Bissas. A critical factor is Duplantis’s runway speed; in 2024, he reached a top speed of 10.31 meters per second and averaged 10.05 meters per second in his final three steps, surpassing typical rival speeds of about 9.5 meters per second. This speed provides roughly 12% more kinetic energy when body mass is comparable .
Duplantis's top speed remains nearly constant while lowering the pole, decreasing only during the final step of his run-up. Carrying maximum momentum into the pole planting phase is essential, as it redirects forward movement to enable take-off .
Athletes vary in foot placement at take-off. Duplantis is considered an "under" vaulter, planting his foot closer to the box than his top hand, though without a distinctive technique. The take-off posture balances significant reaction forces from the planting box and the need to manipulate the pole to lift the body. Grip width and upper body strength are important for compressing and bending the pole at this phase .
Effective take-off angles generally range from 18 to 20 degrees, influencing the result of the vault. After take-off, athletes can add more energy to the jump beyond what is generated during the run and plant .