Armand Duplantis cancels the indoor season to aim for 6.40 meters outdoors

Last Friday, Armand "Mondo" Duplantis announced that he is canceling the indoor season. After an intense year with injury problems and a hectic schedule, the world star chooses to close the door to, among other things, the indoor EC in Spain in March.

- It will be a different set-up. He can afford to miss an indoor EC. It makes no difference to his status, says agent Daniel Wessfeldt.

It's not about lowering ambitions – quite the opposite. By canceling the indoor season, space is created for a long build-up to the outdoor season, where the WC in Beijing awaits. There, Duplantis plans to pick up a brand new weapon in pursuit of the dream limit of 6.40.

- He has new poles and a longer handle that he hasn't used yet. They will be used next year. The rods are stiffer and harder. If you want to go up to 6.40, you have to have it, and he is one of those who can handle it, explains Wessfeldt and continues:

- To take the next step, to continue to dominate this branch and jump significantly much higher, which he can, he needs to have a proper preparation for this.

It is people close to Duplanti who have recommended the 26-year-old to take a break from competing.

- He knows best himself, but if several people around him really think this is a good decision, then it must have matured in him as well. There was no hesitation on his part to make the decision, says Wessfeldt.

Is he still injured?

- No, he is fully recovered now. He struggled with time throughout the summer. I don't understand how he managed it. What he needed then was proper rest, but there was no time for that, says Wessfeldt.

When will he compete again?

- The first competition will likely be in Qatar (Diamond League competition on May 8, 2027).

Federation captain Kajsa Bergqvist sees the decision as wise from a long-term perspective. At the same time, Duplanti's absence means a change for the Swedish national athletics team during the championship winter.

- When he is in the squad, there will be more pressure from the international media on the Swedish squad. Swedish athletics gets a lot of press internationally then. But having a superstar who always picks gold also gives a boost to the whole team, says Bergqvist.