Duplantis: 'Getting married soon, can't be angry' after loss

Armand Duplantis's dominant streak of nearly three years and 40 consecutive victories came to an end in Stockholm, where the Swedish pole vault superstar placed second in the Diamond League event. The defeat visibly disappointed the world champion, who struggled to find words immediately after the competition.

"I'm having a little trouble finding the words right now. I apologize to everyone who came here," Duplantis told the packed stadium. The crowd responded with warm applause and cheers, offering support despite the unexpected outcome.

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I'm having a little trouble finding the words right now. I apologize to everyone who came here.

Despite the loss, Duplantis offered a candid and relatable explanation for his mindset. "This is the most important competition for me, and I don't want to lose. At the same time, I'm getting married soon, and that's all I care about," he admitted. "I can't be angry. I want to apologize to everyone who came here, but I don't know, I'm getting married, and I hope everyone has a good evening and weekend."

The athlete's acknowledgment of his personal priorities resonated with the audience, shifting the focus from the competitive result to a more human moment. While the loss marked a significant break in his unparalleled winning record, Duplantis's upcoming wedding clearly took precedence in his personal life.

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This is the most important competition for me, and I don't want to lose. At the same time, I'm getting married soon, and that's all I care about. I can't be angry.