TOKYO :Mondo Duplantis says the key to his pole vault domination in recent years is his speed on the runway and, unlike most of his predecessors in the event, he wears specially-developed sprinting spikes to enhance it.
Duplantis chalked up his 13th world record when he cleared 6.29 metres last month and will be seeking a third successive world title in Tokyo next week.
Speaking at a Puma event in the city on Thursday, the Swede said he has long had a close involvement in the evolution of his shoes.
"It's super-important from the innovation side and I've been so thankful to the Puma family for letting me just have a really big voice in what I want and what I need," he said.
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