Mondo Duplantis has once again redefined the limits of pole vaulting by setting a new world record, his twelfth, at 6.28 meters (20 feet, 7 inches), achieved on his first attempt at a Diamond League meet in Stockholm. This record surpasses his previous mark of 6.27 meters, set earlier this year in France. Duplantis has consistently raised the bar by one centimeter each time he has broken the record since first doing so in February 2020.

This latest achievement marks a significant milestone as it is the first time he has broken the record in Sweden, a country he represents despite his Louisiana roots. His approach mirrors that of Sergey Bubka, who famously capitalized on incremental gains for financial bonuses during his career. With two Olympic gold medals to his name, Duplantis continues to solidify his legacy as the greatest pole vaulter in history.

As the Diamond League continues, the competition heats up in Stockholm, Sweden, with the absence of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson leaving the 800m race wide open. British runners Jemma Reekie and Georgia Hunter Bell are set to make their season debuts, both eager to capitalize on this opportunity. Reekie, who finished strongly in her last outing, is looking to replicate her past success in this city, having won the event here last year. Meanwhile, Hunter Bell arrives with experience from her bronze medal performance in Paris, and anticipation surrounds her first Diamond League appearance this season.

Keely Hodgkinson's recovery has hit a snag, delaying her anticipated return to competitive action. The Olympic champion and middle-distance specialist faced an injury setback during her preparation for the upcoming season. This news raises questions about her fitness and form heading into a crucial phase of her career.

As Hodgkinson works diligently to return, her training regimen is under scrutiny. Early indicators suggest she may not be ready for critical competitions in the near future. Fans and analysts alike are concerned about how this might affect her performance and standings as she heads back into the fray.

The much-anticipated finale of the inaugural Grand Slam Track season is set to be canceled due to financial issues, leaving athletes in limbo. The decision comes amidst a lack of communication regarding the participating athletes for the Los Angeles leg, scheduled for June 28-29. The uncertainty has heightened concerns, especially as plans for the event remained vague, leading to speculation about the sustainability of this newly established competition.

Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk, a prominent long jump and triple jump athlete from Ukraine, faces a provisional suspension due to a doping allegation involving testosterone. The Athletics Integrity Unit has confirmed the suspension ahead of a formal hearing. Bekh-Romanchuk, aged 29, has previously secured silver medals at the World Championships in long jump (2019) and triple jump (2023), alongside a fifth-place finish in the long jump at the Tokyo Olympics. Her last competitive appearance ended in an 11th-place finish at the Paris Games after recovering from an injury.

This suspension is a significant setback for the athlete, who was expected to compete in the upcoming Diamond League meet in Doha. With her name removed from the entry list, the implications for her career and reputation are profound, given her status in the athletics community.