The Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League will play host to the greatest pole vaulters of all time. They will be led by Armand “Mondo” Duplantis in Suzhou on April 27.

The three-time World Athlete of the Year is also the reigning world and Olympic champion. He is also the indoor and outdoor world record holder. Duplantis will head to Shanghai/Suzhou in a mini-Chinese tour. This will happen one week after he opens up his Diamond League season in Xiamen.

He is fresh from his title at the 2024 Glasgow World Athletics Championships.

On joining the elite field in Shanghai/Suzhou, Duplantis said, “I always wanted to compete in China and now it will finally happen. I really look forward to it and hope to see a big crowd!”

No athlete in history has made as many clearances over 6 metres as the Swede. He has vaulted to 6.23m in Eugene to take the 2023 Diamond League title. This was the seventh time he had broken the world record.

The 24-year-old Duplantis has had an unblemished season so far. And he entered 2024 as the two-time reigning world champion having successfully defended his title in Budapest. Also, last weekend he took the gold in Glasgow during the World Indoor Championships.

Meeting director Ellen van Langen, “I am happy to be back after five years in China with the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League. And it is great to be able to announce Mondo Duplantis first, being the number one athlete in the world. I am curious what he’ll be able to perform with the support of the Chinese crowds.” 

Shanghai/Suzhou will see many of the world’s best offer the first glimpse of their Olympic-year form. With star-studded fields to be revealed soon offering showpiece events. Highlights in track events include the men’s 100m, 800m and 5000m. Also, the women will compete over 200m, 400m, as well as a variety of other events. All in one jam-packed day. Highlights in field events include men’s pole vault and women’s shot put.

The second of 15 Diamond League fixtures will offer all important points in the quest for the Brussels final, to be held on 13-14th September.