Olympics | Bubka says Duplantis' pole vault record "fantastic" for Olympic Games

PARIS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pole vault great Sergei Bubka of Ukraine said here on Tuesday that Armand Duplantis' world record-breaking moment is of great significance for the Paris Olympic Games.

Competing in the men's pole vault final at the Stade de France on Monday evening, Duplantis cleared a world record height of 6.25m, sending the capacity crowd into raptures.

"He is a great guy, he is a great athlete. We are all proud of him. This is history," said the 60-year-old to reporters at a ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of AIPS.

"Everyone wants to win, but he is very solid and he is a strong boy. He performed well. I am very happy for him because I know his family. I used to compete with his father."

Monday's effort was the ninth time that Duplantis, who has a U.S. father and a Swedish mother, has broken the world record.

"It is a fantastic moment for the sport, for the success of the Olympic Games and particularly for his family," said Bubka.

"It is a historical result. Personally, I felt it should happen."

"I believe he can keep doing it. I wish there will be more records and more happiness for the sport. Congratulations to his family," said Bubka, who won six world titles and one Olympic gold medal, improving the world record from 5.83m to 6.14m during his career. ■