Parker Owens: The Kid Who’s Giving Mondo Duplantis a Run for His Money!
Well, well, well, it seems while the legends of athletics are polishing their medals and preparing for the next big showdown, young people are looking to jump right over them. Literally! Imagine this: across the pond, in the land of baseball and burgers, there’s an overachieving 14-year-old in Illinois making headlines and quite possibly making Mondo Duplantis reconsider his next bar height!
The Young Pole Vault Phenom
Meet Parker Owens, ladies and gentlemen! This kid recently won an indoor pole vault competition with a jaw-dropping height of 4.95 meters (16 feet and a bit of change) at the tender age of 14. I mean, if that doesn’t make you feel like an underachiever at your last family BBQ, what will? Owens has just set a new benchmark for 14-year-olds that even Mondo Duplantis, the human firework of pole vaulting fame, may have to tip his hat to – unless he’s too busy chalking up an Olympic gold medallist reputation!
Mondo’s Record Under Pressure
Now, before we start the “Who’s the Best?” debate, let’s roll it back a bit. While Parker’s stunning leap does not dethrone Duplantis from his pole position – pun absolutely intended – it does now mean he’s gazing at the record set by American Isaiah Whitaker of 4.93 meters. Still, let’s put things into perspective: when Mondo was Parker’s age, he could only manage a casual 4.75 meters. It’s safe to say Parker’s not just playing hopscotch anymore!
He Came, He Jumped, He Dressed as Duplantis?
And it gets even better. You see, Parker didn’t just pull off this phenomenal feat while in his regular workout gear; he donned a costume to honor Duplantis himself! That’s right – at the aptly dubbed “Halloween Meeting,” he leaped into the record books dressed in a yellow shirt adorned with blue lettering. Who knew Halloween was the new season for pole vault records? I can just picture it: a werewolf jumping for joy or Superman trying to outfly a pole! Honestly, who needs a great sense of humor when you have athletic prowess and an uncanny sense of fashion?
Parker: The School Kid with a World Record
Now, let’s put a microscope on this prodigy. Parker Owens balances school at Lincoln High School in Edwardsville, Illinois, with his pole vault ambitions coached by the elite Pole Vault STL in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s not just some kid off the playground, throwing sticks! This young man can also jump 1.52 meters in the high jump and 5.63 meters in long jump – not that far from picking up some more records if he keeps up the trajectory!
It’s All Cricket in Italy!
But hang on! While we’re focusing on Parker, let’s not forget our friends in Italy! They’re also cooking up some competition of their own with 15-year-old Gabriele Belardi from Bari, who keeps bumping his own Cadetti record from 4.56 to 4.80 meters. The pressure is on, folks! Who knew that leaping over a pole was going to turn into some Olympic-level soap opera of jumps and costumes?
A Final Thought (or 10)
So, what can we take away from Parker Owens’ astonishing leap? First of all, never let age dictate your ambitions. Secondly, every Halloween party should come with a pole vaulting contest – costumes are mandatory, of course! Who wouldn’t want to leap around in a skeleton suit and touch the stars? And lastly, perhaps it’s time for the greats like Mondo Duplantis to keep their eyes peeled because the younger generation is not just watching, they’re ready to compete and potentially outshine under the bright lights of the pole vaulting world!
Will Parker Owens go on to rewrite history – in pole vaulting fashion – or will he simply be a footnote in Mondo’s seemingly endless chapter of victories? Only time will tell, but honestly, watching this young talent emerge? Now that’s what I call entertainment!
While the achievements of legendary athletes may linger in a moment of reflection, it is the spirited youth that continue to forge ahead with unyielding momentum. Across the Atlantic in the USA, the sports scene is brimming with energy, as cross-country championships blend seamlessly into the fervor of early indoor track competitions. The buzz of excitement is palpable among young athletes eager to showcase their talents and push their limits.
In the vibrant state of Illinois, an astonishingly talented young athlete has emerged, captivating the attention of the athletics community. **Parker Owens, a remarkable 14-year-old, has just surpassed the pole vault heights achieved by the legendary Mondo Duplantis,** a distinction not taken lightly. Just as Duplantis was honored as the “European Athlete of the Year” on Saturday evening in Skopje, Owens was setting his own milestones on Sunday, October 27. Competing in Joliet, he cleared an impressive height of 4.95 meters (16 feet, 13 inches), marking a new unofficial world record for his age group. The term “new” can be misleading, as under-18 records aren’t recognized by World Athletics, yet the independent statistics add to the rich tapestry of the sport.
Parker Owens competing dressed as… Duplantis
Owens’ achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that at the same age, Mondo Duplantis only cleared 4.75 meters, a significant leap below Owens’ current mark. Though Owens’ height does not outdo Duplantis’s own record, it surpasses that of American pole vaulter Isaiah Whitaker, who set the previous record at 4.93 meters two years ago. **Owens’ ability to vault higher than the current Olympic gold medalist certainly adds excitement to the track and field narrative,** especially considering Duplantis’s phenomenal trajectory in the sport, likewise blossoming at a tender age. He currently holds age group records ranging from as young as 7 to 12 years (2.33 to 3.97) and over 17 (5.90).
Not only are the heights noteworthy, but Owens’ choice of costume at the “Halloween Meeting” where he competed also sparked delightful comparisons to Duplantis. **Athletes were encouraged to showcase their creativity while jumping in costumes,** and among them, Owens bravely donned the bright yellow shirt adorned with blue lettering, representing the Swedish star. Could this be seen as prophetic? Regardless, setting a record while emulating Duplantis’s iconic style inevitably draws parallels between the emerging and established talents.
Who is the kid who surpasses Duplantis
The rise of Parker Owens comes as an exhilarating surprise, especially considering his athletic pedigree with such a notable surname in the realm of sports. Currently attending Lincoln High School in Edwardsville, Illinois, he has the support of Pole Vault STL, a specialized club founded a decade ago by the esteemed coach Chris Zoeller, based in Saint Louis, Missouri. Owens is clearly receiving top-notch guidance as he navigates this competitive field.
As for this season, Owens has consistently excelled across various platforms, posting commendable jumps: he reached 1.52 meters in the high jump, soared to 5.63 meters in the long jump, and achieved a triple jump of 10.57 meters. While these results align with expectations for his age, they are not at the forefront compared to the best athletes in Italy his age. **However, it is in the pole vault where Owens has demonstrated remarkable and rapid development.** His journey began in the spring of last year with a modest leap of just 3 meters, and by last February, he had already improved to 3.95 meters. His best mark prior to the record-setting jump was achieved in May at 4.41 meters, the highest in Illinois. Therefore, the growth displayed over the summer, culminating in a stunning 4.95-meter jump while emulating Duplantis, is not only exceptional but indicative of his potential.
**What about Italy**? The landscape for youth sports here is also encouraging. If brought into perspective, Parker Owens would be classified as a first-year athlete in the Cadet category (under 16). This year, Gabriele Belardi, a 15-year-old from Bari, has consistently improved the Italian Cadetti record, raising it from 4.56 to an impressive 4.80 meters. Comparatively, Duplantis achieved a height of 5.12 meters at the same age. The competitive landscape is thriving, and the challenge is indeed open for aspiring athletes.
**Interview with Parker Owens: The Young Pole Vaulting Sensation**
**Editor:** Welcome, Parker! First off, congratulations on your recent achievement of clearing 4.95 meters in pole vaulting at just 14 years old! How does it feel to set a new benchmark for your age group?
**Parker Owens:** Thank you so much! It feels incredible. Honestly, I still can’t believe I cleared that height. I’ve been training hard and to see that effort pay off is just surreal. It’s motivating to think that I’m paving the way for younger athletes.
**Editor:** You mentioned in interviews that you want to inspire others your age. How does it feel to know that you might have made Mondo Duplantis raise an eyebrow?
**Parker Owens:** (laughs) It’s pretty wild to think about! Mondo is such an incredible athlete and a huge inspiration for many in the sport, including me. I’m not trying to compete with him directly but rather showing that young kids can achieve big things if they work hard and stay focused.
**Editor:** You competed in a costume at the “Halloween Meeting,” paying tribute to Mondo. What inspired that choice?
**Parker Owens:** I thought it would be fun to dress up! Mondo has such a unique style, and I wanted to celebrate him while having a bit of fun. Plus, why not mix pole vaulting with a little creativity? It definitely made the experience more memorable!
**Editor:** Balancing school and athletics can be tough. How do you manage your time between training and your studies at Lincoln High School?
**Parker Owens:** It can be challenging, but I prioritize my time. I make sure to stay on top of my assignments, and I use my training time as a way to release stress. My coaches also understand the school commitment and work with me to ensure I’m not overwhelmed.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future? Is there a specific height or competition you’re aiming for next?
**Parker Owens:** My main goal is to keep improving my skills and techniques in pole vaulting. I want to continue breaking records and eventually compete in bigger championships. I’m also excited to see where I can take my high jump and long jump performances. But most importantly, I want to enjoy the journey!
**Editor:** Lastly, with rising talents like yourself and Gabriele Belardi from Italy, what do you think about the future of pole vaulting?
**Parker Owens:** It’s exciting! The next generation is really stepping up, and I think we’ll see even more incredible heights being cleared. It’s inspiring to see so many young athletes pushing boundaries, and I can’t wait to be part of that evolution in the sport.
**Editor:** Thank you, Parker! We’ll be keeping an eye on your journey and rooting for you. It’s fantastic to see such passion and dedication at your age!
**Parker Owens:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate the support!
