I often read that Emmanouil Karalis is unlucky because, apparently, he always has Mondo Duplantis standing in his way. And it’s true: look up pretty much any of Karalis’s big moments and you’ll find Mondo right there beside him. Even if we go back 11 years, to the first big moment of Karalis’s career at the U18 World Championships in Cali. Bronze for Karalis, and right next to him? Duplantis, with the gold. Two kids standing side by side, with no idea that the rest of their lives would carry on pretty much exactly like this.
And I keep wondering: is Manolo unlucky to be competing in the same era as Duplantis?
Is it really considered bad luck to be the second best in the whole world, second only to a kind of freak of nature? Is it bad luck to be good enough to make the greatest pole vaulter of all time nervous, to put him under pressure, to piss him off? Because, let’s be honest, we all saw how annoyed Duplantis got during their last competition in Zurich. He turned around and asked, “Who the f*ck you think I am?” after clearing 6.25m. Mondo, of course we know who you are, but why so pissy? A first for the always calm and collected Mondo, don’t you think?
So, is it bad luck to force the greatest pole vaulter of all time to keep raising the bar higher and higher just to make sure he beats you? Is it bad luck to have him feel you breathing down his neck? I’m laughing as I write this. You have no idea what I’d give to spend even a few seconds inside Mondo’s head when Manolo cleared 6.20m, and then again during his second attempt at 6.32m. What a jump!
Karalis is the athlete he always dreamed of becoming. Hard work, talent, confidence, a great team. An explosive combination. And now we’re counting down to the explosion. Tick. Tock. It has to happen. That clock is going to hit zero. Is it really bad luck to have that kind of ticking bomb on your hands?
Don’t get me wrong, Duplantis is a phenomenon. What he’s done is ridiculous. And I’m not just talking about pole vaulting. He might actually be the first athlete in history to have, all in the same season, a three-day wedding celebration, a honeymoon, a holiday, released a single, shot a music video for it and even had a minor injury, all while continuing to dominate everything in sight. We’re talking some serious multitasking here. Did all the talent go to this one man? Respect. He’s a monster, no question about it. I just keep wondering whether this almost terrifying run of his might have created another monster in the process.
Because, yes, it is a shame to be as good as Karalis and still not win gold. All that chasing, that “fuck, not again” every single time, that dream always just out of reach… at some point, it could drive you mad. Or… it could turn you into a monster too, hungrier than ever, with your own, distinct place in history.
Because, you see, rivalry is what fuels people like them. The chase, having the best in the world right there in front of you and thinking, “Today, I’m going to beat him.” Can you imagine what it means to even dare to think that? That thought is what drives Karalis. Maybe I’m not entirely objective here, but having followed Manolo’s journey from the beginning, I don’t see him as unlucky today. Being able to genuinely enjoy your life is a pretty big deal.
Of course, just as he’s enjoying himself, up pops Duplantis again. There he is, like a pesky nettle.
Okay, I’ll stop stirring the pot now, because the two of them really are friends. You’ll never see them not talking during a competition. Quite the opposite, there’s always plenty of chin-wagging and hugging going on. Maybe a swear word or two thrown in, but it’s all friendly, so it doesn’t count. Still, I can’t wait to see Mondo hug Manolo when that dream finally comes true. I’ve already pictured the moment. Manolo probably dreams about it every night. It’ll be the ultimate “trust the process” story.
Now, if by some complete coincidence this piece has found its way to Mondo Duplantis and he happens to be reading it, I’d just like to reassure him that we do like him here in Greece. We admire him, and we’re waiting for him to come over for a competition or two, not just for the islands and the Greek salad.
But I do have one small favour to ask.
Mondo, say flour…*
From Greece, with love.
(*Mondo, guess who’s knocking…)
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