Armand Duplantis Set for London Diamond League 2026 Return
Sweden's pole vault star Armand Duplantis confirms a 2026 London Stadium return for the Diamond League, aiming to reclaim the meet record and win in London.
World record holder Armand Duplantis has confirmed he will return to the London Stadium for the 2026 Diamond League, his first appearance in London in eight years. The Swedish pole vault star is a multiple Olympic champion and a dominant figure on the world stage, known for setting new records after record.
The 26-year-old has broken the pole vault world record 14 times since 2020, with his latest best at 6.30 meters achieved at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. His rise has solidified him as the sport’s premier vaulter in the modern era.
Duplantis first competed at London Stadium in 2017, finishing ninth at the World Championships at just 17 years old. A year later, he placed third at the Anniversary Games, behind American Sam Kendricks and French veteran Renaud Lavillenie.
“London has a special energy, and I’m excited to return after so long,” he said. “The atmosphere in that arena is electric, and I’m ready to use the crowd to push myself. I’ve never won a London event, so that’s a clear goal this time.”
He will target Lavillenie’s meeting record of 6.03 meters, set in 2015, a mark that has stood for years and remains a benchmark for the event. The one-day competition brings 15 track and field events to the capital on 18 July 2026.
Event details
The London Diamond League meeting is part of the global Diamond League series, designed to showcase the world’s best athletes across multiple disciplines in a single-day spectacle. The 2026 edition promises a high-powered programme and a partisan crowd ready to cheer one of athletics’ brightest stars.
Expert comment
Expert comment: Duplantis’ return to London is a major highlight for the Diamond League and for English fans. A strong showing could set the tone for his season and lift interest across the athletics calendar.
Short summary
In summary, Duplantis arrives in London with a clear mission: win at the London Diamond League and push the meet record toward 6.03 meters. The appearance reinforces London’s status as a premier destination for elite athletics and engages fans ahead of the season’s next big events.
Key insight: Duplantis’ London comeback signals a marquee night for athletics, highlighting the city’s growing role on the Diamond League stage. Source: BBC Sport