Armand Duplantis to Skip 2027 Indoor Athletics Season

Swedish pole vault icon Armand Duplantis is skipping the entire 2027 indoor athletics season to prioritize physical recovery and training. As of October 23, 2026, the decision follows an exceptionally intense year for the athlete, who balanced high-level competition with significant personal life changes.

Why it is trending now

The decision to pause competition comes after concerns from his family regarding the intensity of his 2026 schedule. According to reports from Expressen, Duplantis's father, Greg Duplantis, noted that the athlete's performance this year relied heavily on talent and adrenaline rather than optimal physical preparation. The combination of a busy competition calendar, a wedding, and a move from Stockholm to Monaco led to a decision to step back and focus on long-term fitness.

Key facts

• According to Expressen, Duplantis's father Greg stated that the 2026 season was so intense that the athlete was at times competing without sufficient physical preparation.
• Duplantis began his 2026 campaign by setting his 15th career world record with a jump of 6.31 meters at his own indoor gala in Uppsala, as reported by Expressen.
• The athlete is currently taking a vacation on a yacht valued at over 100 million kronor before resuming his training regimen.
• Throughout 2026, Duplantis faced increased competition from Greek pole vaulter Manolo Karalis, who reached a personal best of 6.20 meters.

Why this is trending in Sweden

Armand Duplantis remains one of Sweden's most prominent sports figures, and his decision to withdraw from the upcoming indoor season has generated significant interest among Swedish fans and media. The move is viewed as a strategic reset for the national hero.

Background and context

The 2026 season was marked by major achievements for Duplantis, including World and European Championship gold medals and a victory in the Ultimate Championship. These successes occurred alongside major personal milestones, including his marriage on the French Riviera and his relocation to Monaco. The cumulative effect of these events prompted the need for a recovery period to ensure he remains competitive for future challenges.

What happens next

Duplantis will use the winter months to focus on strength training and preparation for future outdoor goals. While he will not participate in indoor events in 2027, the focus remains on returning to competition in a stronger physical state to pursue new athletic milestones.