Marschall finished sixth in the Olympic Games final, but still had an evening he will never forget. A boiling Stade de France was electrified when Armand "Mondo" Duplantis topped his already secured gold with a new world record, 6.25, on his last attempt.
Duplantis is both a rival and close friend to the 27-year-old Australian.
He's crazy. And he's so cool. Despite being Sweden's most famous person and having to wear a mask or cap to be able to go out, he's incredibly calm, says Marschall.
Marschall knew about Duplantis' plan before the Olympic Games final. First, go for gold, then the Olympic record, and finally the world record. He was also convinced that the plan would work out.
You could see how high above he was all evening, it was proof that he would clear 6.25. And he has so much more in him, it's ridiculous. Just getting to compete at the same time as him is more than I could ever have wished for.
American silver medalist Sam Hendricks also knows Duplantis well. He remembers when the Swede, who could have chosen to compete for the USA, broke through.
He wasn't like anyone else. And he knew more about me and how I jumped than I knew. He's the biggest pole vault nerd and that's why his style is so infectious. I hate that we lost him to Sweden.
