Johanna Duplantis Withdraws from European Team Championships Due to Job Conflict
Johanna Duplantis withdraws from European Championships due to job commitments with Puma.
Key Points
- • Johanna Duplantis withdraws from European Championships due to scheduling conflict with new job.
- • Event scheduled from June 26 to 29 in Madrid, featuring a competitive Swedish team despite key injuries.
- • Coach Kajsa Bergqvist expresses disappointment but support for Duplantis' decision.
- • Duplantis aims to compete in the Finnkampen later this summer.
Swedish pole vaulter Johanna Duplantis has officially withdrawn from the upcoming European Team Championships scheduled for June 26-29 in Madrid. The 22-year-old, who recently emerged as Sweden's top female pole vaulter after achieving a personal best jump of 4.39 meters, cited a scheduling conflict with her new job at Puma as the reason for her absence.
National team coach Kajsa Bergqvist expressed disappointment but acknowledged Duplantis's decision, stating, "She was asked but declined because she starts her employment that week, so it didn’t work out." The new role marks a significant step for Duplantis, who is now balancing professional sports with career commitments. Despite this setback, her coach remains hopeful that Duplantis will remain focused and continue to build on her success from the collegiate season.
In the wake of Duplantis's withdrawal, the Swedish team for the European Championships will still feature a robust lineup, although it is marred by additional absences. Notably, sprinter Erik Erlandsson is sidelined due to injuries, and high jumper Fabian Delryd will miss the championships because of ongoing back pain. Andreas Almgren, who recently set a European record in the 5000 meters, is also absent as he prioritizes his training regimen to avoid previous injuries.
The Swedish athletics team is aiming to replicate their success from previous years and stay competitive in the event. Despite individual athletes focusing on personal and professional commitments, the team remains optimistic about the talent in its ranks. Coach Bergqvist highlighted the importance of balancing athletes' careers with team ambitions, noting, “There are times when individuals must prioritize their careers, and that ties into our long-term strategy as a competitive athletics team.”
Looking forward, Johanna Duplantis’s father, Greg Duplantis, indicated that she is targeting participation in the Finnkampen later this summer. The combination of her new job and her continuing athletic career reflects the dynamic nature of sports where personal and professional pathways often intersect seamlessly.