World pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis is set to compete at the London Stadium in July 2026, marking his first appearance at the iconic venue in eight years. The Swedish superstar, widely considered one of the greatest athletes of his generation, confirmed his return for the London Diamond League, where he hopes to add yet another milestone to an already historic career.
Duplantis, now 26, has dominated pole vaulting since bursting onto the senior stage, winning two Olympic gold medals and multiple world and European titles. His relentless pursuit of excellence has seen him break the world record 14 times since 2020, with his most recent achievement—a remarkable 6.30m clearance—set at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in 2025.
His return to London carries both nostalgia and unfinished business. Duplantis first competed at the London Stadium during the 2017 World Championships, where as a 17-year-old he finished ninth. Despite the result, the competition left a lasting impression on him, particularly the atmosphere in what remains one of athletics’ most iconic arenas.
“It’s been too long since I last competed in London,” Duplantis said. “My first ever World Championships was at the Olympic Stadium in 2017 and although I was still pretty inexperienced, I could appreciate the incredible atmosphere, so it means a lot to me to go back.”
He returned briefly in 2018 for the Anniversary Games, finishing third behind Sam Kendricks and Renaud Lavillenie. Since then, Duplantis has eclipsed both men, surpassing Lavillenie’s long-standing world record and establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the event.
“There’s just something about that place,” he added. “Every year I see athletes raise their game in the London Diamond League, so I’m excited to get out there and use that crowd noise to my advantage. I’ve never won in London, so obviously that’s the main goal.”
With the meeting record standing at 6.03m—set by Lavillenie in 2015—Duplantis will not only be aiming for victory but may also target another record-breaking performance. Given his consistent ability to push the boundaries of the sport, few would bet against him rewriting history once again.
The London Diamond League, scheduled for 18 July 2026, will feature 15 track and field events and is expected to attract some of the world’s top athletes in preparation for upcoming major championships. The event often produces standout performances, thanks to strong competition and an electric crowd known for elevating athletes to extraordinary levels.
Duplantis’ presence will undoubtedly be one of the headline attractions. His global popularity, combined with his continuing pursuit of perfection, makes every appearance a must-watch occasion. Spectators will be eager to witness whether the Swede can conquer the London stage for the first time—and perhaps push the pole vault into uncharted territory once more.
As athletics continues to evolve, Duplantis remains at the forefront, constantly redefining what is possible. His return to London promises not only high drama but the chance to witness one of the most gifted athletes of this era challenge both personal and venue history.
With his eyes set firmly on winning in a stadium that helped spark his rise, Armand Duplantis’ London comeback is poised to be one of the standout moments of the 2026 Diamond League season.
