Emmanuel Karalis, Greece’s pole vaulting sensation, has climbed to the second spot in the world rankings

The 25-year-old athlete now trails only the legendary Swedish star Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, according to the latest World Athletics rankings.

Karalis is enjoying the peak of his career, showcasing remarkable consistency and jaw-dropping performances. His ascent began in September 2024, when he secured second place at the Diamond League final in Zurich with a 5.82-meter jump, earning him a spot in the global top three with 1,426 points, behind Duplantis (1,625) and American Sam Kendricks (1,453).

The defining moment came on May 3, 2025, at the Diamond League in Suzhou, China, where Karalis shattered his personal outdoor record by clearing 6.01 meters—his first-ever leap over the coveted 6-meter barrier. This stunning achievement not only won him the event but also propelled him past Kendricks to claim the world No. 2 position with 1,454 points. Duplantis remains untouchable at the top with 1,620 points, but Karalis is now closer than ever.

Remarkably, Karalis has achieved this with just two competitions in the 2025 summer season, hinting at even greater potential as the year unfolds. All eyes are now on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for September 13–21, 2025, where Karalis has a golden opportunity to claim the only major medal missing from his collection. Having already secured podium finishes at the Olympics, European Championships, World Indoor Championships, and Diamond League, a world championship medal would cement his legacy.

“I’m in the best shape of my life, both physically and mentally,” Karalis said, exuding confidence. His performances reflect this, blending raw power with unshakable focus. If he maintains this trajectory, the summer of 2025 could be a landmark season for Karalis and Greek athletics, inspiring a new generation of athletes across the nation.

Source: pagenews.gr