A Historic Performance
24-year-old athlete “Manolo” showcased his immense talent and determination, pushing himself to new heights in the fiercely competitive final. He went head-to-head with Swedish pole vault legend Armand Duplantis, who claimed yet another gold medal after clearing 6.15m. Karalis made a valiant attempt at 6.15m, aiming to match Duplantis, but narrowly missed the mark.
Despite falling short of gold, Karalis’ 6.05m jump places him among the greatest indoor pole vaulters in history, marking the seventh-best performance ever recorded at a World Athletics Indoor Championship. He also became the only athlete to win silver with a 6.05m jump, further solidifying his position among the sport’s elite.
A Streak of Success
Karalis’ silver medal in Nanjing extends his remarkable streak of podium finishes. This marks his fifth consecutive major international competition where he has secured a medal, proving his consistency at the highest level of pole vaulting.
The final was a dramatic showdown, with Duplantis struggling against the challenge posed by Karalis. However, the Swedish superstar ultimately emerged victorious, while Karalis’ exceptional display ensured he remained a central figure in one of the championship’s most thrilling events.
