Helena Duplantis | From Swedish Heptathlete to Pole Vaulting Matriarch
Discover how Helena Duplantis transitioned from Swedish heptathlete to a pivotal figure in pole vaulting.
When Helena Duplantis picked up her first pole in Sweden, she likely never envisioned that her legacy would one day span continents and reshape an entire sport. Born Helena Hedlund, she grew up in Sweden, where the country's rich tradition of track and field nurtured her early passion for athletics. Helena pursued professional sports with a focus on the heptathlon, one of the most grueling events in track and field, demanding versatility across seven distinct disciplines.
The Swedish heptathlete quickly gained recognition, representing her nation in various events throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Helena’s versatility as a heptathlete became her hallmark. Despite the setback of frequent injuries that ultimately prevented her from reaching Olympic-level competition, Helena established herself as a formidable competitor on Sweden’s national stage. Her early career served as a foundation for the coaching and mentoring role she would later play, and it instilled a resilience that would one day shape her son, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, into a pole vaulting legend.
Helena Duplantis and Greg Duplantis
Helena’s life took a pivotal turn when she met Greg Duplantis, an American pole vaulter with a personal best of 5.80 meters (19 feet). The two athletes’ shared passion for sport and dedication to competition resonated within their family, particularly in their children. Together, Helena and Greg built a family that prioritized athletic discipline and resilience. Their small backyard in Lafayette, Louisiana, would eventually transform into a training ground where Helena’s expertise as a multi-event athlete meshed with Greg’s technical skills in pole vaulting.
Helena’s background as a heptathlete was invaluable to Mondo’s upbringing. She instilled in him the importance of balancing physical conditioning with mental resilience and encouraged him to experiment with different sports, from sprinting to gymnastics. This approach gave Mondo a holistic foundation, with Helena overseeing his nutrition, maintaining a rigorous training schedule, and counseling him on the inevitable pressures that came with being a young phenom.
The Early Years of Mondo Duplantis: A Mother's Influence
Mondo’s natural aptitude for pole vaulting became clear early on. By age 10, he was vaulting heights that many teenagers couldn’t reach. Under Helena's watchful eye, he pursued a disciplined training regimen that blended techniques from her heptathlon days and his father’s pole vault expertise. Helena ensured that Mondo maintained the strength, speed, and endurance required to excel not just in pole vaulting but across the spectrum of athletics.
“She’s always been my biggest critic and my biggest supporter,” Mondo said in a recent interview. “Without my mom, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today. She knows exactly how to push me and when I need it the most.”
Helena’s influence was vital during Mondo’s early international competitions, where he began breaking junior world records. Behind every inch of his vaulting success was Helena’s enduring support, strict adherence to discipline, and insistence on humility. Her role wasn’t only as a coach but as the constant anchor in his life, grounding him amid increasing fame.
Swedish Roots and International Representation
Helena Duplantis played a central role in Mondo’s decision to represent Sweden, honoring her own heritage. This choice symbolized a deep connection with his Swedish ancestry and reinforced the impact Helena’s background had on Mondo’s life. The relocation to Sweden was more than a geographical shift; it strengthened the family’s cultural ties, and Mondo quickly became a beloved figure in Swedish athletics.
This move was a defining moment for Mondo, who now embraced his dual heritage as a bridge between two worlds. Helena’s pride in her homeland made Mondo’s representation feel authentic, creating a deeper emotional connection for Swedish fans. With Helena’s encouragement, Mondo has continued to excel in his sport, embodying the athletic values his mother passed down.
The Mentorship of Helena Duplantis: Guiding Mondo to World Records
When Mondo broke the junior world record and later, the world record in pole vaulting, Helena was there, offering advice and guidance as only a parent and coach could. Her focus on humility was constant, even as Mondo soared to unprecedented heights. In a memorable 2023 World Championships event, Mondo reached a historic 6.23 meters, setting yet another world record. Afterward, Helena was the first person he called.
“She always tells me that being on top means nothing if I don’t stay humble,” Mondo shared. “That humility—that’s all from her.” With Helena’s guidance, Mondo’s fame hasn’t deterred his dedication, reminding him that his achievements carry the weight of her legacy.
A Legacy Beyond Records: The Story of Helena Duplantis
Helena Duplantis’ role as a mother and mentor transcends her son’s athletic career. Her journey, from an aspiring Olympian in Sweden to the mother of a world record holder, has created an indelible legacy. Through her experience in the heptathlon, Helena shaped a household focused on resilience, discipline, and hard work. Behind each of Mondo’s record-breaking vaults lies the foundation of Helena’s values, quietly reminding the world of her influence.
For fans and young athletes alike, Helena Duplantis represents the epitome of unwavering support, love, and a passion for excellence. Mondo’s success is inseparable from Helena’s influence, and through him, her legacy continues to inspire those who dream of balancing family and sports.
Helena Duplantis and the Future of Pole Vaulting
Through her journey, Helena Duplantis has redefined what it means to be both an athlete and a parent. Her resilience and quiet influence have helped shape Mondo into a global phenomenon, but Helena remains a humble presence, reflecting the values she instilled in her son.
In every sense, Helena Duplantis stands as the unsung hero of modern pole vaulting—a steadfast figure whose dedication to her son has fueled the ascent of a world champion. Her legacy will endure, serving as a powerful reminder of the vital role that family and a mother’s influence play in achieving greatness.
