Greek Olympic champion Emmanuel Karalis produced another outstanding performance in the pole vault, clearing 6.16 metres at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne to set a new Greek outdoor record.
Karalis surpassed his previous outdoor national record of 6.08m, which he had set in Volos on August 2, 2025.
The Greek vaulter was locked in an impressive battle with Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis throughout the competition. Both athletes successfully cleared 5.51m, 5.81m, 5.91m and 6.01m on their first attempts, quickly separating themselves from the rest of the field.
The bar was then raised to 6.16m, with Duplantis clearing the height comfortably before Karalis also produced a successful jump to secure second place and break his own outdoor record.
Duplantis responded by clearing 6.21m, setting a new meeting record and taking the victory.
Karalis then attempted 6.21m twice without success before making one final attempt at 6.26m, which he was unable to clear.
Despite finishing second, the performance represents another major milestone for the Greek athlete. His 6.16m jump is the best outdoor performance of his career and further establishes him among the world’s elite pole vaulters.
Karalis still holds the absolute Greek national record, having cleared 6.17m indoors on February 28, 2026.
The Lausanne result adds another impressive chapter to a remarkable season for the Greek champion, who continues to challenge Duplantis at the highest level of international athletics.
