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Emmanouil Karalis Finally Wins as Duplantis Sits Out: ‘Unbelievable’

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Greek pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis won the Diamond League final in Brussels with a clearance of 6.12 meters after Armand Duplantis withdrew because of an injury.
  • Karalis broke Duplantis' meet record and claimed the first major title of his career.
  • Despite their rivalry, Karalis said he views Duplantis first as a friend and hopes to defeat him again when he returns.

When Armand Duplantis withdrew from the Diamond League final at the last minute because of an injury, the spotlight in Brussels turned to his Greek rival and friend, Emmanouil Karalis.

It was unbelievable. I’m so happy.

· Emmanouil KaralisKaralis reacted after winning the Diamond League final in Brussels.

Karalis seized the opportunity. He won the competition with a clearance of 6.12 meters, breaking Duplantis' meet record and securing the first major title of his career. “It was unbelievable. I’m so happy,” Karalis said in the interview area after becoming Diamond League champion. “This feels unreal. I still can’t believe that I actually won the Diamond League. Hopefully this is just the beginning of my incredible career.”

He had expected a fierce battle for the title and felt sorry when Duplantis told him he could not compete. Their rivalry, however, does not extend beyond the track or damage their friendship. “I see Mondo primarily as a friend, then as a competitor. Of course I want to win, but I’m happy to see my friend happy. I know he will also be happy when I do something great.”

This feels unreal. I still can’t believe that I actually won the Diamond League. Hopefully this is just the beginning of my incredible career.

· Emmanouil KaralisHe described the significance of his first major career title.

Karalis said they would still go out for a glass of wine after the competition, regardless of the result. He also rejected the idea that competing in Duplantis' era made him unlucky. “Many people say I’m unlucky to compete in Mondo’s era. But I think I’m really lucky.”

I see Mondo primarily as a friend, then as a competitor. Of course I want to win, but I’m happy to see my friend happy. I know he will also be happy when I do something great.

· Emmanouil KaralisKaralis explained how he balances his rivalry with Duplantis and their friendship.

He credited Duplantis with helping other vaulters believe they could break seemingly impossible barriers. Karalis cleared 6.20 meters this year and attempted a world record of 6.32 meters alongside Duplantis. He said those attempts gave him confidence in Brussels. Karalis last finished ahead of Duplantis eight years ago at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, where he placed fifth at 5.80 meters and Duplantis finished seventh at 5.70 meters. “Hopefully I can beat Mondo again. Hopefully that day comes soon.”

Many people say I’m unlucky to compete in Mondo’s era. But I think I’m really lucky.

· Emmanouil KaralisHe said Duplantis' dominance had helped make extraordinary performances seem possible.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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