Helena Duplantis has risen to become an influential figure in the track-and-field fraternity as a result of her influential work that molded her son, Armand “Mondo” Duplantic, who is currently the top pole vaulter in the world. As a mother-cum-coach, Helena has played an important role in Mondo’s rise into the most dominant track-and-field athlete globally. But her journey encompasses much more than just her son’s achievements; it seems to have mixed athleticism, coaching, and family dedication all together.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Native Avesta, Sweden, Helena Duplantis was related to sports quite early in her life. She was already a noted heptathlete at the national level before emigrating to the United States. Her sports route led her to Louisiana State University on an athletic scholarship, where she met Greg Duplantis, a U.S. pole vaulter. It was that chance encounter which resulted in a new life for Helena in the U.S., where later on, she would raise her family and support the development of her children’s sports careers.
Family Life and the Role as a Coach
Helena’s transition into coaching wasn’t pre-planned. Once she realized her children were talented in track and field events, especially in pole vault, she took it upon herself to ensure they received the necessary training since high-profile coaching was not readily available in Lafayette, Louisiana. With her husband Greg, himself a former pole vaulter, Helena devised a division of labor whereby she tackled the strength and conditioning aspects, leaving the technical aspects of the sport to Greg.
They then coached all four of their children together, three of whom became professional athletes. Most importantly, Helena’s coaching is not only related to physical training but also includes developing a strong mind. She helps Mondo keep a good balance in training without letting him fall into the pitfalls which Helena and Greg went through during the early days as an athlete. For sure, one of the reasons for Mondo’s consistency and success on the global stage is precisely because of this very reason.
Career Summary: Coaching Highlights and Achievements
Although Helena had not initially envisaged becoming a coach herself, her deep involvement in helping her children to reach their full potential led her to take various courses and gain relevant certifications, which included the Level 3 Sprints and Hurdles coaching course. In 2020, she and Greg were awarded the World Athletics Coaching Achievement Award for their work together on their son’s career . Under their tutelage, Mondo has set multiple world records promptly, including a jump of 6.17m and then 6.18m indoors, en route to Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020.
Most of all, Helena cherishes how she can coach her son without sacrificing their relationship as a family. Both described their working relationship as harmonious, and Mondo has referred to his mother as “the easiest person to get along with.” Greg brings more fire into their interactions, which makes them a good coaching combination affirmed by.
The Duplantis Family’s Legacy in Athletics
Contributions from Helena aren’t Dokas’ end with Mondo. There were other children, Andreas, Antoine, and Johanna, who had careers in sports that were nothing short of spectacular. Andreas pole-vaulted at LSU, while Antoine is a professional baseball player. The youngest, Johanna, emulates her brother Mondo in the pole vault and is attending LSU. Yet, despite all the nternational successes, the Duplantis family still keeps the roots planted deep in Sweden. Helena continues her close contact with her hometown of Avesta in the country, where she spends the summers and celebrates cultural heritage. This is a further reason for Mondo to have chosen to represent Sweden during international events, even considering he was born and grew up in the United States.
A Role Model to Female Coaches
Helena’s journey has made her a role model in women elite coaching, a field that is still dominated by men. She admits that one of the biggest problems for women involves juggling family life and coaching, especially at the elite level. Success with Mondo, however, portrayed that such roles were doable. She encourages more women to delve into coaching, adding that as difficult as the journey may be, it is equally rewarding. Looking Ahead While looking to the future, Helena keeps paying attention to the children, especially Mondo, who will proceed with pole vaulting beyond the limit. She says that she will surely find challenges for herself since she can hardly think about what it will be after coaching. Family and coach SF captured in the world of athletics.
Conclusion
Helena Duplantis is more than the mother of a world champion; she forms part of the success Mondo enjoys. Her blend of high octane nurturing, coaching expertise, and strong family values created the bedrock upon which one of the most successful pole vaulters in history was founded. As such, Helena’s story can be an inspiration to both athletes and coaches-to-be since it testifies that where there is passion, dedication, and family support, wonders can happen.
FAQs
What role does Helena play in Mondo’s athletic career?
Helena acts as Mondo’s strength and conditioning coach, responsible for his physical fitness and recovery.
Where did Helena Duplantis grow up?
Helena was born and raised in Sweden.
What is Helena Duplantis’s educational background?
Helena studied dietetics at LSU, focusing on the science of nutrition and its applications to athletic performance