‘As perfect as it can get’: pole vault superstar Mondo Duplantis on his stellar 2025

The world record holder on his remarkable year, that viral kiss and why he’s serious about music

Plenty of sports stars strive for perfection. In 2025, Mondo Duplantis achieved it. He broke the pole vault world record four times. Retained his world indoor and outdoor titles. Won all 16 competitions that he entered. Was voted World Athletics’ male athlete of the year. And, for good measure, was named the BBC’s overseas personality of the year too.

“There’s not necessarily such a thing as a perfect season,” Duplantis says on a bright December day in Monaco. He pauses. “But that’s as perfect as it can get.”