He provided the best answer to the performance of his rival and friend Armand Duplantis.
A few hours after the 6.01m crossed by the Swedish-American in Düsseldorf, Renaud Lavillenie replied with a jump to 6.02m yesterday during the Perche en or meeting in Tourcoing.
Already author of a jump to 5.92m in Bordeaux for his comeback two weeks ago, then 5.95m on Friday in Karlsruhe, the Olympic champion establishes the best world performance of the year 2021. It is the 20th times in his career that the 34-year-old Auvergnat has successfully jumped 6 meters or more.
6m02 💪🏼
Nothing to add 👊🏼
Thank you @Perche_en_or
💙 air6team 🥰 @PUMA @PUMARunning @BRMChrono @Michelin 💙 pic.twitter.com/E4HrvRzlGt
- Renaud LAVILLENIE (@airlavillenie) January 31, 2021
But the last time Lavillenie had crossed this symbolic of 6 meters was already on March 17, 2016 during the World Indoor Championships in Portland, almost 5 years.
After several seasons disrupted by injuries, Lavillenie shows he is in good shape.
He will be able to compete directly with Duplantis and the American Sam Kendricks, Saturday in Rouen.
“I struggled in recent years.
I find the Renaud of ten years ago but with experience, said Lavillenie.
I am on a good footing.
The jump I took is more than encouraging.
I still have a little work to do.
From there to looking for the world record, I don't think so, but I think I can do 6.05m or even better by the end of the season.
The hardest part now will be to maintain the level.
We are all struggling with the pandemic right now.
It's a huge chance to be able to jump as a professional athlete and it is good for everyone's morale.
"
