Armand Duplantis had an unprecedented 2023, with two world records and a World Cup gold medal, and as expected, he received the International Federation's Track and Field Athlete of the Year award. Athletics. It was the third time the incredible pole vaulter received the award.

But this time he had to share the prize after the organizer of the gala in Monaco suddenly decided, without warning, that several people could share this honor. Something Duplantis admits to now makes him angry.

– At first I was not angry, but rather confused, said the Swede to Expressen.

Duplantis received the “field” award, sprinter Noah Lyles received the “track” award and distance runner Kelvin Kiptum the “non-stadium events” award.

World Athletics' actions have been criticized, but only now has Duplantis himself spoken out on the whole affair.

– That they didn't tell us anything before, that's what annoys you a little. Now it feels like they refrained from telling us anything because we might not want to come at that time, he told Expressen, calling World's actions “Serpentine” athletics.

Duplantis told the newspaper that a shared prize is unlike any prize.

– I think it's a shame – and it's strange. Super weird. I think you can also give out awards for categories, but you have to have an Athlete of the Year award winner. Because now that three have figured it out, it's like no one has figured it out.